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SNAP benefit junk food ban headed for another state

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 11:12 GMT by Newsweek
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Arizona Becomes the Fourth State to Banish Junk‑Food Purchases with SNAP Benefits

In a landmark move aimed at curbing obesity and encouraging healthier eating habits among low‑income families, the Arizona Legislature has approved a law that prohibits the purchase of junk food with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The measure, which will take effect in early 2025, marks Arizona as the fourth U.S. state—following Florida, California, and Washington—to restrict the use of SNAP dollars for sugary drinks, candy, chips, and other processed “junk” items.

What the Law Actually Does

Under the new statute, retailers that accept SNAP benefits will be barred from selling the following items when the purchase is made with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card:

• Sugary beverages (soda, energy drinks, sweetened teas, and sports drinks)
• Candy and chocolate (bars, gummies, hard candies, etc.)
• Processed snacks (chips, popcorn, and other salty snacks)
• Ice‑cream and frozen desserts with added sugar
• Packaged pastries and sweets (doughnuts, cookies, and cakes)

The law specifically exempts foods deemed “nutritious” – such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low‑fat dairy – as well as items that are commonly associated with a healthier diet (e.g., nuts, seeds, and whole‑grain breads). In addition, the legislation clarifies that the ban does not prohibit SNAP recipients from purchasing these junk items with other payment methods; it merely restricts the use of SNAP benefits for those products.

Retailers are required to display clear signage indicating the ban in a prominent location within the store, and the law stipulates a set of compliance and enforcement procedures overseen by the Arizona Department of Agriculture and the Department of Human Services. Violations could result in a civil penalty, although the statute includes a “no‑penalty” clause for retailers who simply fail to post the required signage.

Rationale Behind the Ban

The driving force behind the legislation is public health data that links a diet heavy in sugary drinks and processed snacks to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease—particularly among low‑income households that rely heavily on SNAP benefits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in four Americans is obese, and low‑income families are disproportionately affected.

State Representative Lidia Garza, who introduced the bill, stated that “the purpose of this law is to give our families a healthier start.” She also cited studies showing that “restricting access to junk foods can reduce caloric intake and improve nutritional quality without harming the ability to meet basic food needs.”

The Arizona Department of Health Services has released a report indicating that, on average, SNAP households spend approximately 15% of their benefits on sugary drinks and candy. By eliminating that portion, the department estimates that the program could save the state an estimated $12 million over five years in health‑care costs related to diet‑associated illnesses.

Opposing Views and Concerns

Not everyone agrees that a ban is the best path forward. Critics argue that such restrictions could be paternalistic and may inadvertently create stigma for families who rely on SNAP for food security. The Arizona Retail Merchants Association (ARMA) issued a statement expressing concern that the law could hurt small businesses that serve a large portion of low‑income customers. “This law is a blunt instrument that imposes unnecessary compliance burdens on retailers and may discourage them from participating in the SNAP program,” ARMA’s president said.

There is also an argument that the ban does not address underlying economic constraints that compel families to buy cheaper, calorie‑dense foods. A 2023 study from the University of Arizona found that many SNAP households purchase “junk food” simply because it is more affordable than fresh produce and lean proteins. In that sense, critics maintain that the law is a “band‑aid” that fails to tackle the root causes of poor nutrition.

Broader Context: The Growing Trend of “Junk‑Food Bans”

Arizona’s law is part of a national trend in which states are adopting increasingly creative measures to promote healthy eating. A short‑list of recent state‑level initiatives includes:

• Florida’s “Healthy Kids Act” – which prohibits the sale of sugary drinks to children under 12, but allows them to be purchased with private cash.
• California’s “Nutritional Integrity Rule” – restricting junk‑food sales at supermarkets that accept SNAP.
• Washington’s “Curb the Crunch” program – which funds nutrition education for SNAP recipients.

The New York Times recently ran a feature on the ethical debates surrounding these laws, underscoring how states are balancing public health goals with civil liberties and economic realities. The feature highlighted that while some studies show modest reductions in caloric intake, the overall impact on long‑term health outcomes remains mixed.

What Comes Next

Arizona’s law is still pending final approval from the Governor, who has signaled that he will sign the bill into law. Once signed, the Arizona Department of Agriculture will issue guidance to retailers on signage requirements and compliance timelines. The Department of Human Services will coordinate a public education campaign to inform SNAP participants about the changes and available healthy food options.

In the meantime, a handful of retailers have already begun to adjust their product displays, removing candy from aisles that are visible to EBT users. Some grocery chains are partnering with local health advocates to provide free “healthy snack” samples for SNAP shoppers.

Bottom Line

Arizona’s new SNAP junk‑food ban is a bold attempt to influence dietary choices among low‑income families by limiting the types of foods that can be purchased with benefit dollars. While supporters hope it will reduce obesity rates and health‑care costs, critics warn of unintended economic consequences and questions about paternalism. As more states weigh similar measures, the debate over the best ways to support healthy eating among economically disadvantaged populations will continue to intensify.