“Utah Moves to Ban Food Stamps for Candy & Soda – Shocking Change!”
Utah is taking steps to reshape its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by banning the use of food stamps for purchasing candy and soft drinks. HB403, sponsored by Rep. Kristen Chevrier (R-Highland), passed a legislative committee with a 7-2 vote on Friday morning.
The bill does not reduce financial aid or change eligibility requirements but aims to ensure SNAP funds are used for healthier food choices. “SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, designed to help struggling individuals buy nutritious necessities—not to contribute to obesity, anxiety, depression, and chronic illness,” Chevrier stated.
With soda being the most purchased item using SNAP benefits, Utah joins a growing movement across a dozen states considering similar health-focused restrictions. “Soft drinks and most candy have zero nutritional value,” Chevrier said. “Tax dollars shouldn’t subsidize unhealthy products that lead to obesity and other health problems the state ultimately pays for.”
National Health Advocates Weigh In
Calley Means, a national health advocate and former adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., joined the Utah committee hearing remotely from Phoenix, Arizona, to support the bill.
“There’s no clearer issue than our nutrition program funding soda as the No. 1 purchase,” Means stated. “This isn’t about personal choice—when Pepsi and Coca-Cola spend millions lobbying to keep their products on food stamps, we’re essentially incentivizing addictive substances for kids.”
Critics argue that limiting SNAP purchases restricts consumer choice, but Means pushed back. “We’re the only country that allows this,” he said, emphasizing that Utah’s leadership could push other states and even Congress to take action.
Rep. Doug Fiefia (R-Herriman) questioned what federal action is being taken on the issue. Means pointed to discussions within the new administration but urged states to act independently rather than wait for slow-moving congressional reform.
“If Utah leads the way, it could put national pressure on Congress,” Means concluded.
This version keeps the key information while making it more concise and engaging. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
Candy and Soda Ban Faces Pushback from Opponents
Debate over Utah’s proposed SNAP restrictions sparked opposition, with disagreements on how candy and soft drinks should be classified.
Under HB403, candy is defined as a prepared food containing sugar, honey, or other sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruit, nuts, or other ingredients in bar, drop, or piece form—excluding protein bars with no added sugar. Soft drinks are classified as carbonated, sweetened beverages, but drinks with milk, milk substitutes, or at least 50% fruit or vegetable juice are exempt. These definitions may be revised before the bill heads to the House for a vote.
Opposition and Concerns
While soft drink companies oppose the bill, the primary resistance comes from Utahns Against Hunger. According to Rep. Kristen Chevrier, the organization fears it could set a precedent for removing more SNAP-eligible items, such as canned spaghetti sauce.
Chevrier dismissed the concern, stating, “We already know soft drinks and candy are the top sales items for SNAP, so those are the targets. I don’t see it going any further than that.”
Across the country, similar bills are gaining traction. Health advocate Calley Means noted that at least two dozen states have introduced MAHA (Medical and Health Assistance) bills, with around 20 seeking SNAP waivers to implement food restrictions.
Implementation Challenges
Since SNAP is a federal program, Utah must secure USDA approval to enforce the ban. Chevrier’s bill outlines a plan for submitting recurring waivers, requiring justification, implementation strategies, and proof of public benefit. These waivers cannot override core federal SNAP guidelines.
Means expressed confidence that under the new administration, USDA approval is likely, provided the waivers clearly demonstrate their intended health benefits.
With growing national momentum, Utah’s decision could set a precedent for other states considering similar SNAP reforms.