Oppose Restrictions on SNAP Benefits

Oppose Restrictions on SNAP Benefits

Restrictions Don’t Work

Restrictions would not save money, but it would put us on a slippery slope of government bureaucrats deciding which foods and beverages some Americans are allowed to serve their families. This would ultimately grow the size of the federal government – allowing politicians to decide what people eat or drink.

Families who need financial help buying groceries make the same decisions we all do and should have the same choices. When it comes to beverages, families on SNAP spend an average of five cents per dollar. Families not on SNAP spend almost the same, at four cents per dollar.

Restrictions Don’t Produce Cost Savings

At a time when families are crippled by the rising cost of inflation, Congress would be encouraging tax hikes on families across the United States if it applied restrictions to the SNAP program. Designating beverages as ineligible for SNAP will encourage some states to remove sales tax exemptions from beverages, resulting in an immediate tax hike on beverages that would be paid by all consumers in nearly a dozen states.

The Solutions

More Choices: People are shifting their beverage mix to options with less or zero sugar. They are taking advantage of more choices with less sugar and smaller portion sizes to choose what’s right for them and their families.

Less Sugar: Today, nearly 60 percent of beverages sold have zero sugar. In fact, sales of full-calorie sodas – and all calories from all beverages – have gone down for 16 straight years.

Smaller Portions: Smaller portion sizes like mini cans are growing in popularity and have expanded into more brands. A majority of beverage brands now come in 7.5 oz containers for people who want a smaller portion.

Clear Information: Easy-to-see calorie count labels are on the front of every bottle and can sold, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices.