It’s now official: Montana is one of 22-states that no longer allow SNAP to pay for junk foods. It became official with the signature of Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins. Appearing on the KGEZ Good Morning Show, Gov. Greg Gianforte explains that “taxpayers don’t want to be buying soda and candy for people who need nutrition”…and that excludes soda, candy and Twinkiesl
There are hurdles ahead, especially for retailers in order to get this new police in place by September 30th. First, they’ll have to reprogram their scanners to omit the list of products that will no longer be accepted for SNAP. That includes candy–but not all candy. Non-alcoholic drinks–but not all non-alcoholic drinks. Most energy drinks and prepared deserts–including Twinkies, will no longer by included in SNAP. The costs for these adjustments will be carried by the individual food retailers. In addition, some of the definitions of prohibited items are vague, so the reprogramming will likely be an ongoing process.
In February, nearly 73,000-people–or about 7% of the state’s population, participates in the SNAP program.
SNAP is a $99.8-billion program and a USDA study shows that about 20% of that buys unhealthy drinks and foods.
On the rez, the co-director of the Food Access and Sustainability Team–or FAST, Iris Sharp, says she’s not surprised to see Montana follow other states in seeking the waiver. But, she says although it seems well-intentioned, Food Banks are going to have some issues trying to transfor food systems.
The Governor calls-in to the KGEZ Good Morning Show at 8:10 Thursday morning.
