There has been much discussion lately about restricting foods and beverages, including soda, from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) often referred to as food stamps. While this may sound like a possible solution to a complex problem, the fact is restrictions will not help make Americans healthier or save $1 in taxpayer spending—whether SNAP costs today or government healthcare costs tomorrow. 

Restrictions will, however, increase government regulation while treating working-class families and veterans like second-class citizens not capable of making their own grocery decisions. You may not realize that nearly 80% of SNAP recipients are working; they just don’t make enough money to pay the bills and feed their families after years of economic hardship.

Working-class families and individuals across America rose up to vote for President Trump on the promise of a new era that would lift them up, not leave them behind again.  Proponents of SNAP restrictions would betray these voters and that promise. To be clear, President Trump is not among those proposing SNAP restrictions.  

Recent survey data from Public Opinion Strategies, on behalf of American Beverage, shows how SNAP restrictions are not aligned with this historic winning coalition and promise. Nearly six out of ten (58%) of President Trump voters in the 2024 Election, and 64% of all adults, say soft drinks should be allowed to be purchased with SNAP benefits. This includes clear majorities within essential groups who were part of President Trump’s historic expanded coalition of voters:

The fact is beverages are not driving obesity and chronic disease in America. While adult obesity is up 37.4% since 2000, beverage calories per serving are down 42% and full-calorie soda sales are down 22.9%. So, cutting beverages from SNAP won’t make a pound of difference on the scale today or a $1 in taxpayer Medicaid costs down the line. Nor will there be $1 saved in SNAP costs as restrictions don’t reduce the program’s total cost, only what can be bought with those dollars. The only real impact of SNAP restrictions is telling certain Americans what to do without providing any benefits for savings to taxpayers.

Providing the dignity of choice to all Americans – not taking away freedoms from those trying to feed their families and struggling to find sufficient work – is the better way. America’s beverage companies are delivering more zero-sugar choices than ever with clear, transparent information to empower all Americans to achieve balance and improve health. And it’s working – 60% of beverages sold today have zero sugar. Get the facts on restrictions and how America’s beverage companies are delivering choice and information.