Gone in a SNAP: RFK Jr. and MAHA End the Decades Long Candy and Soda Gravy Train
Share this @internewscast.com

Recently, Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins introduced updates to the benefits program. During a press briefing, Secretary Rollins emphasized the significance of this policy shift: 

“Since my appointment, our department has motivated states to adopt innovative and inventive approaches to tackle the various health challenges Americans face. One method is preventing taxpayer-funded benefits from being used to buy unhealthy products like soda, candy, and junk food. The primary purchase by SNAP recipients is sugary beverages. SNAP is intended as a supplemental nutrition program to help low-income families by subsidizing their food budgets, enabling them to buy the nutritious food needed for good health and wellbeing. This is the core mission of the SNAP program. The law supports this vision, and President Trump’s USDA aims to realize it in collaboration with our HHS allies.” 

Rollins further elaborated, disclosing that she has authorized six additional waivers allowing states to exclude unhealthy items from SNAP benefits—supplementing several previously approved state waivers. These waivers are considered a significant achievement by the Trump administration, bringing direct advantages to taxpayers. 


RELATED: Arkansas Petitions USDA to Disallow Purchase of Junk Food With SNAP Benefits


Over the years, the SNAP benefits program has posed a challenging issue for the Republican Party. In the same press briefing, RFK Jr. candidly discussed the financial and practical difficulties in removing certain items, highlighting the formidable lobbying by major snack companies that has negatively impacted many low-income Americans throughout the program’s existence. Secretary Kennedy remarked:

“SNAP costs us $405 million daily, with 10% going toward sugary beverages. Including candies, it’s roughly 13 to 17%. While we value free choice in our democracy, taxpayers should not fund sugary sodas. It isn’t fair for taxpayers to pay for foods that contribute to diabetes among the nation’s poorest children. Subsequently, my agency bears the cost through Medicaid and Medicare for these health issues. We’re addressing this systematically, state after state.” 

Secretary Kennedy’s brief statement covers a lot. First, he acknowledges the financial complexities in removing these benefits due to successful corporate lobbying efforts that ensure a portion of SNAP funds goes to sugary drink companies. Second, while personal choice is respected, taxpayer money shouldn’t contribute to harming vulnerable people. Battling diabetes is a lifelong burden for many Americans, and there is a collective responsibility to protect children’s health. Lastly, Kennedy highlights the hidden costs to taxpayers—Medicaid and Medicare bear the financial burden due to the unhealthy eating habits fostered by SNAP program options, leading to serious health conditions that the public ultimately funds. 

The American people are essentially paying to create unhealthy eating habits through free junk food across the SNAP program, and then paying on the backend for the health issues it causes. Thankfully, the Trump administration and the MAHA movement are beginning to end this cycle through state waivers to remove this garbage. Winning? I’m not tired, are you? 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Random blue city stabbing death fuels new bail bill as ‘activists’ ripped for lack of crime crackdown: expert

911 Audio Released of Fatal Train Stabbing of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has released recordings of five 911 calls made…
Suspected blue city gunmen kill innocent girl in revenge shooting at home: sheriff

Sheriff reports: Alleged gunmen from blue city fatally shoot innocent girl in retaliation at residence

A second man is in custody stemming from a San Antonio mass…
'Dancing with the Stars' week 3 recap: Ballroom shocked by TikTok night elimination

‘Dancing with the Stars’ Week 3 Recap: TikTok Night Ends in Unexpected Elimination

TikTok took center stage in the ballroom Tuesday night during week three…
Assata Shakur's shameless hero-worshippers deserve our disgust and condemnation

Why Celebrating Assata Shakur is Problematic and Deserves Criticism

Everyone who refuses to denounce allies celebrating a cop-killer deserves disdain, so…
Des Moines superintendent to resign after being detained by ICE, lawyer says

Des Moines School Superintendent Plans to Step Down Following ICE Detention, Lawyer Reports

An Iowa school superintendent who was recently taken into custody by Immigration…
Trump gives Hamas 'three to four days' to accept plan or meet a 'a very sad end'

Trump Warns Hamas: You Have ‘Three to Four Days’ to Agree to Plan or Face Consequences

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump gave the Hamas terrorist organization a deadline…
North Carolina bar patron’s video may have foiled gunman night before deadly waterfront massacre: report

Video from a North Carolina bar patron might have stopped a gunman the night before a deadly waterfront shooting: report

A gunman accused of carrying out an ambush at a North Carolina…
Government shutdown begins as lawmakers fail to reach deal to extend funding

Government Shutdown Initiated After Lawmakers Fail to Secure Funding Agreement

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer debate government…
Oklahoma Gov. Stitt, ICE bust 120 illegal immigrants in highway crackdown, slams Biden border failures

Governor Stitt and ICE Collaborate to Detain 120 Undocumented Immigrants in Highway Operation; Criticize Biden’s Border Policies

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol, working with ICE agents, arrested 120 illegal immigrants…
Health insurance costs for 22 million in limbo as shutdown begins

22 Million Face Uncertainty Over Health Insurance Costs as Government Shutdown Starts

The first government shutdown since 2019 has begun, and Republican leaders say…
Italy’s Meloni says Gaza flotilla risks escalation, could ‘blow up' potential ceasefire deal

Italy’s Meloni Warns Gaza Flotilla Could Endanger Ceasefire Negotiations

The Gaza-bound flotilla involving anti-Israel activists and celebrities, including Greta Thunberg, has…
Charlie Kirk assassination: Exclusive photos show path to campus rooftop weeks later as access scrutinized

Charlie Kirk Incident: New Photos Reveal Route to Campus Rooftop Amid Security Review

“Many campus police departments do not have drone programs, which poses a…