The bill directs the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to request a federal waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the restriction. If the request is denied, MDHHS can reapply for the waiver every year until it gets approved.

Public health concerns.

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Citing concerns over public health and taxpayer dollars, Paquette asserts that “Michigan taxpayers should not be required to fund poor food consumption. This legislation is in no way calling for low-income individuals to be stripped of the assistance they currently receive to feed themselves and their families, but we have to recognize that this assistance is a privilege and comes at the expense of taxpaying workers.”

Paquette adds, “Soda is among the most nutritionally detrimental food options available… The ’N’ in SNAP stands for nutrition. Taxpayer dollars should provide assistance for those in need to obtain food and drink that brings nourishment to the body.”

The adult obesity rate.

Health advocates agree, pointing to Michigan’s 35% adult obesity rate. Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian of Tufts University supports the initiative, stating in a Thumbwind media report, “It’s not a bad idea to discourage people on federal assistance from consuming things like soda and candy.”

However, critics argue this measure sips away at personal choice and dignity. Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, contends that improving public health requires making nutritious food more accessible and affordable, not imposing purchasing restrictions.

Historically, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has rejected similar state requests to restrict SNAP purchases, raising questions about the bill’s feasibility. However, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now encouraging such waivers, the landscape may be shifting.