SNAP Soda Bans Cut Purchases 13% in 8 States With Restrictions
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 22
SNAP Soda Bans Cut Purchases 13% in 8 States With Restrictions
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 22
Summary
A National Bureau of Economic Research working paper found SNAP recipients in states with soda restrictions bought about 13% less soda than recipients in states without the bans during the initial rollout.
The drop equated to roughly 24 fewer ounces per household each month—about two standard cans—while water purchases were unchanged over the same period.
Eight states currently have the bans in effect after the Agriculture Department granted 23 states permission to restrict soda or other sugary-drink purchases with food stamps.
Five approved state policies have been blocked by a court ruling and 10 more states are still implementing them, leaving the early results a limited test of a broader Trump administration health push.