SNAP Shake-Up: Missouri Targets Candy, Soda, and Sweets

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has submitted via his office a waiver request to the United States Department of Agriculture to restrict certain foods from Missouri’s SNAP Program. What has the state proposed?

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe

The state of Missouri believes that SNAP benefits should focus on healthy food options instead of candy and sweets. Some think these terms are too broad and want a more specific list of what would be approved for SNAP and what would be removed from SNAP. Part of this restructuring is meant to promote consumption of locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Produce section at Grocery Store

The Governor’s list includes six things to be removed from SNAP. Candy, Prepared desserts, soft drinks, beverages with less than at least 51% natural fruit or vegetable juice, and beverage mixes and drink concentrates with less than at least 51% natural fruit or vegetable juice.

Soft drinks, candy, juices and desserts would be restricted from SNAP

Other states have already enacted restrictions on certain foods for SNAP including Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Florida, Colorado, West Virginia, Arkansas, Indiana, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah. Not every state listed has the same restrictions, each state has their own specific list. But, they are similar.

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The companies that make soft drinks, candy, desserts and juices lobbied to be included on SNAP years ago, as they wanted some of that government money to flow to them. They succeeded. Will they lobby to be kept on the federal approved list? Will they lobby each state’s government? --or will they negotiate to have some of their “healthier” options included on the approved lists – even if they don’t meet a required percentage of fruit or vegetable juice? The state of Missouri would like to have these changes complete by October 2026.