USDA allows Tennessee to exclude some sodas and sweets from SNAP

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins approved six new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food-choice waivers — including a waiver from Tennessee — changing the definition of “food for purchase.”

In August, Governor Bill Lee announced plans to seek federal waivers that exclude items listing sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, “or similar caloric alternative as the primary (first) ingredient,” as well as waivers that exclude beverages where carbonated water and sugar, high-fructose corn syrup “or a similar caloric alternative are the first two ingredients.”

The waiver, approved Wednesday, also allows people to use their benefits to purchase prepared foods like rotisserie chicken.

“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,” Rollins said, per a USDA press release. “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.”

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., joined Rollins to announce the approval.

“Thank you to the 18 governors who are leading the charge on SNAP reform to restore the health of Americans — especially our kids. Their courageous leadership is exactly what we need to Make America Healthy Again,”Kennedy said. “We cannot continue a system that forces taxpayers to fund programs that make people sick and then pay a second time to treat the illnesses those very programs help create.”

The August announcement was not the first time this year the state legislature sought to prohibit Tennesseans paying with SNAP benefits from purchasing candy and soft drinks. The “Tennessee Health SNAP Act” passed in the House, but the bill was assigned to the General Subcommittee of Senate Health & Welfare in March, where it has remained since.

“The Trump Administration’s leadership to create innovative, responsible solutions that strengthen families and improve health outcomes will have a lasting impact on Tennesseans for generations to come,” Lee said, per the USDA press release.“I’m grateful to President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Kennedy for quickly approving our SNAP waiver, and to our retailers and food producers for helping ensure nutritious food choices reach every community across our state.”

Waivers submitted by Hawai’i, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina and Virginia were also approved. The changes will go into effect next year.