Ohio has joined a throng of states that are banning some unhealthy items from being purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) said the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved its request to prohibit the purchase of sugary carbonated drinks through SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, according to Spectrum News.
Why It Matters
SNAP provides monthly grocery assistance to more than 40 million low- and no-income Americans nationwide. In Ohio alone, about 1.3 million people receive benefits.
Ohio’s request comes amid similar efforts in other states to narrow the range of products eligible under SNAP. Several states have received federal approval to restrict certain “junk foods,” generally defined as items high in sugar and fat but low in nutritional value.
What To Know
The move follows recommendations made in September by a work group appointed by Republican Governor Mike DeWine. The panel advised the state to seek federal permission to remove certain sugary beverages from the list of items eligible for purchase under SNAP…