New restrictions in Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska aim to curb the chronic disease epidemic in the U.S.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, has just received a historic blow: starting this year, residents of certain states can no longer use their EBT card to buy certain foods such as sodas, candy, and snacks. This measure, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), aims to tackle the rising rates of chronic diseases among children and teens.
The states affected by this measure are:
- Indiana: Since January 1, SNAP recipients are not allowed to purchase sodas and candy with their EBT card.
- Iowa: Starting in 2025, it will be prohibited to buy sugary drinks, snacks, and candy.
- Nebraska: The purchase of sodas and energy drinks is no longer allowed.
These restrictions are part of the initiative “Make America Healthy Again”, which aims to reverse the alarming rates of child health issues in the country. According to the USDA:
“This historic action aims to reverse the alarming trends of disease across the country. Prediabetes currently affects one in three children aged 12 to 19; 40% of school-aged children and teens have at least one chronic illness; and 15% of high school students consume one or more sodas a day.”
What Foods Can You Still Buy with Your EBT Card?
Despite these restrictions, most SNAP recipients in other states can still use their card to purchase essential groceries such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Seeds and plants to grow food
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (except in Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska)
In no state can EBT cards be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, supplements, medications, hot foods at the point of sale, or non-food items.
How Much SNAP Assistance Do You Receive?
The monthly amount depends on household size and income. These are the maximum allotments for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia (valid through September 30):
- 1 member: $292
- 2 members: $536
- 3 members: $768
- 4 members: $975
- 5 members: $1,158
- 6 members: $1,390
- 7 members: $1,536
- 8 members: $1,756
- Each additional member: +$220
In Alaska, assistance for a family of four ranges from $1,258 to $1,953; in Hawaii, it is $1,723; in Guam, $1,437; and in the Virgin Islands, $1,254. The minimum benefit in the 48 states and DC is $23, while in Alaska it ranges from $30 to $47, and in Hawaii it is $41.
These new restrictions have sparked debate: is this the solution to improving public health, or a measure that limits the freedom of SNAP recipients?