The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps hundreds of thousands of Alabamians stretch their food budgets, and SNAP could help you keep more of what you earn. But a new law pending U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval could restrict SNAP purchases, prohibiting SNAP recipients from buying certain foods with the funds. Alabama is one of many states applying for USDA waivers, and such laws could affect how the SNAP program functions in certain states.
Here’s what to know if you, a friend, or a family member uses SNAP to buy food.
Find out: 14 benefits seniors are entitled to but often forget to claim.
Alabama seeks to limit SNAP purchases
On April 15, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation into law that could limit certain purchases made with SNAP funds. Under the law, Alabama would request a waiver from the USDA, allowing the state to prohibit SNAP recipients from buying candy and soda.
“We are promoting healthier diets for Alabama SNAP beneficiaries by restricting the purchase of sugary foods that contribute to obesity and diabetes,” Ivey said of the law…