JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Residents across Florida are adjusting to new SNAP guidelines that took effect recently, limiting purchases with these benefits. The move has been met with mixed reactions, as it restricts the purchase of sugary drinks and snacks.

Effective from April 20, SNAP beneficiaries can no longer use their benefits to buy products like soda, energy drinks, candy, and highly processed treats such as cookies and snack cakes.

In Jacksonville alone, over 160,000 individuals, encompassing about 57,000 households, depend on SNAP benefits each month. On average, recipients receive around $190 per month, per person.

For numerous families, these benefits are a lifeline, yet securing healthy and affordable food remains a struggle.

Rhonda Jackson, a recipient living in Jacksonville, expressed that the updated restrictions have added an extra layer of complexity to her grocery shopping experience.

“Now I’m being told what I can buy and what I can’t buy and I don’t think that’s right,” Jackson said.

Jackson said she was surprised to learn some items she previously purchased were no longer covered.

“I couldn’t even get an Arizona, V8 juice or Welch’s juice with my food stamps,” she said.

She added that confusion at checkout has added to her frustration, as both customers and store employees adjust to the changes.

“I feel like we should be able to choose,” Jackson said. “Cause all food is healthy, it’s whether or not you indulge in it.”

State officials say the changes are intended to encourage healthier eating habits and better align SNAP benefits with nutrition guidelines in an effort to combat hunger and malnutrition.

But local advocates say the issue goes beyond what people can buy.

Dr. Eva Hardrick, executive director of Northside Community Involvement, said her organization has seen an increase in demand at its food pantry, which distributes about 15,000 pounds of food each month to Jacksonville families.

“I have seen an uptick in the people that come to the resource center looking for food,” Hardrick said.

She said while promoting healthier options is important, access remains a challenge for many families.

“They do need to eat healthy and be able to feed a family,” Hardrick said.

Hardrick noted that transportation barriers and limited access to grocery stores can make it difficult for residents to obtain fresh food.

“A lot of times they’re asking for fresh fruits, but they will take whatever it is that we have at the time,” she said. “Sometimes I will take from my house and bring to help support some of the things that they’re asking for.”

Despite the new restrictions, some items remain eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, including sports drinks, sparkling water, tea and certain packaged snacks such as granola bars and breakfast pastries.