Ohio is considering whether it should limit SNAP recipients’ ability to buy unhealthy drinks using their benefits.
Newsweek has contacted Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s office for comment via email outside regular working hours.
Why It Matters
A growing number of U.S. states have already barred the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for “junk” food purchases, with 12 set to roll out restrictions early next year. Altogether, the changes are set to affect about 10 million recipients. In Ohio alone, a ban on sugary drinks would limit purchases for the state’s 1.3 million beneficiaries.
What To Know
Following an executive order signed by DeWine earlier this year, a group has been assigned the task of drafting plans for banning soda purchases.
“The working group is tasked with making recommendations regarding a federal waiver that would allow Ohio to prevent SNAP benefits from being used to purchase certain beverages shown to have minimal nutritional value and which contribute to conditions such as obesity, type 2 Diabetes and hypertension,” a news release issued by the Republican governor said…