GOP-Led States Seek To Ban Soda And Candy From SNAP Benefits

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' movement has prompted Republicans to jump on board.

Several Republican-led states are working to ban soda and candy from their food assistance programs.

The move seeks to eliminate the products from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

Recent attempts have mostly been concentrated in Democratic cities, but Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s ‘Make America Healthy Again’ movement has prompted Republicans to jump on board as well.

In the first six months of the new administration, 12 state waivers have been approved by the USDA that restrict SNAP recipients from purchasing some combination of soft drinks, sugary beverages, energy drinks and candy.

“We all believe in free choice, we live in a democracy. If you want to buy sugary soda, you ought to be able to do that. The U.S. taxpayer should not pay for it,” Kennedy said.