NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Gov. Bill Lee has requested a waiver from the federal government to change what people can and cannot buy using their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The waiver request would prevent SNAP benefits from being used on sodas and candies and allow people to use their benefits to purchase prepared foods, like rotisserie chicken, according to a release from Gov. Lee’s office.
The waivers from the federal government are part of the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative under the Trump Administration to allow states to change what food assistance benefits, or food stamps, can be used on in the grocery store.
In TN’s waiver request, sodas are defined as any drink where the first two ingredients are carbonated water and sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or a similar caloric alternative. Candies are defined as foods where the first ingredient is sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or a similar caloric alternative.
Republicans sponsored a bill that would have allowed the state to request a federal waiver to ban SNAP benefits from being used to purchase soft drinks and candies during the legislative session earlier this year. While it passed in the House, it currently sits in the General Subcommittee of Senate Health & Welfare in the Senate.
“If someone wants to spend their own money on Cokes and candies, they can knock themselves out, but anytime when somebody participates in a government program, we have a say on what that money is spent on,” Rep. Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville), the bill’s House sponsor, said.
While Gov. Lee said the request is about saving money and ensuring Tennesseans stay healthy, it hasn’t been popular among some members of the public.
“Health choices are an individual choice, and who are they to legislate morality?” Richard Donnell, who lives in Nashville, said.
“If all we have are SNAP benefits because we are all struggling and because of inflation, you can not tell me what I can and can’t eat,” Theresa Riddle, who uses SNAP benefits, said.
Currently, 12 states have been granted federal waivers banning recipients from using their benefits on candies and sodas. While many state waivers deal with sodas and candies, states like Florida also banned prepared desserts, and Arkansas banned fruit and vegetable drinks containing less than 50% natural juice.
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