(This article comes courtesy of MissouriNet.)
Starting next year in Missouri, highly processed food will be cut from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Missouri is one of 18 states pushing for SNAP food-choice waivers, under the Make America Healthy Again Initiative. The goal behind the effort is to encourage healthier food choices, and try to reverse chronic diseases, tied to eating unhealthy foods.
“We are incredibly thankful for Secretary Rollins’ approval of our waiver,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “Missouri is proud to partner with the Trump administration on the Make America Healthy Again movement as we refocus SNAP to maximize nutritional health for families while also supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state.”
Missouri is one of many states receiving USDA waivers to restrict unhealthy foods in the food benefit program. States including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, Florida, West Virginia, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah have previously received waivers to restrict sugary drinks and candy in SNAP purchases. Other states are changing SNAP policies and/or participation.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins issued the following statement:
“President Trump has made it clear: we are restoring SNAP to its true purpose – nutrition. Under the MAHA initiative, we are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long. America’s governors are answering that call with courage and innovation, offering solutions that honor the generosity of the taxpayer while helping families live longer, healthier lives. With these new waivers, we are empowering states to lead, protecting our children from the dangers of highly-processed foods, and moving one step closer to the President’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.”
