Montana SNAP waiver approved to block soda and candy purchases

MONTANA — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Montana’s request to stop SNAP benefits from being used to buy some items the state considers unhealthy. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Tuesday that Montana’s waiver was approved, making it the 23rd state to join the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative.

The change will ban soft drinks, energy drinks, candy, and other 'junk food' from the state’s SNAP program.

Gov. Greg Gianforte submitted the waiver in March asking the USDA to restrict food purchases that were considered unhealthy.

Idaho has enacted a similar initiative. In nearby Washington state, a bill in the state Senate would have barred SNAP dollars from being used for soda and candy, but did not make it out of committee.