North Dakota May Restrict SNAP Purchases of Soda, Candy to Boost Federal Funding

North Dakotans who utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, may not be able to purchase some food items like soda or candy, according to reporting by Michael Achterling and Mary Steurer from the North Dakota Monitor. Interim Health and Human Services Commissioner Pat Traynor says the state will aim for USDA approval to eliminate “things that cause chronic disease” ahead of the deadline to apply for Rural Health Transformation Program funding on November 5th. States are guaranteed at least $500 million from the program, but they can access more money if they implement changes the federal government is pushing for.

This move aims to make North Dakota more competitive for receiving more federal funding, where states with SNAP restrictions favoring nutritious foods receive priority consideration. At least 12 states have already received approval for similar restrictions, part of Health Secretary RFK Junior’s MAHA initiative. Changes to benefits could be seen as early as next year, after a months-long implementation period of working with retailers.