North Dakota Seeks to Ban Candy, Soda Purchases with SNAP Benefits

North Dakota has requested a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the purchase of soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy, a move that could impact over 83,000 residents.

The waiver request, submitted to the USDA in late October, proposes restrictions on items including chewing gum, chocolate-covered nuts, sweetened cereal bars, and energy shots. According to the proposal, the state anticipates the changes would take approximately eight months to implement, requiring the roughly 600 retailers accepting SNAP benefits to update their point-of-sale systems. This policy change is part of a broader effort by North Dakota to address public health challenges and improve the nutritional well-being of SNAP participants.

The state is also hoping to secure additional funding through the federal government’s $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, with guidelines indicating states implementing health-related policies like SNAP waivers may be eligible for increased grant amounts. The waiver defines soft drinks as carbonated, nonalcoholic beverages with sweetening agents – excluding flavored sparkling water – and energy drinks as those designed to enhance energy with stimulants like caffeine or taurine. Candy includes sugar-sweetened products in bar, drop, or piece form, but excludes flour-containing foods and refrigerated items. Understanding SNAP eligibility requirements is crucial for recipients navigating these potential changes.

North Dakota officials expect a decision on the waiver in early November and will begin notifying retailers and SNAP recipients of the changes if approved. The state maintains that implementation costs will largely be borne by retailers, with minimal expense to the state government.