ORLANDO, Fla. — Starting Monday, April 20, SNAP recipients will no longer be allowed to purchase some common foods with their benefits.
What You Need To Know
SNAP benefits are changing on April 20, removing some items from eligibility
Soda, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed prepared desserts are no longer covered
The state’s goal is to remove foods that are not nutritious in an effort to promote healthy eating
Items that no longer qualify under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) include soda, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed prepared desserts.
According to the Florida Healthy SNAP website, the change is meant to “provide low-income households access to a more nutritious diet to help alleviate hunger and combat malnutrition.”
The nonprofit United Against Poverty Orlando has 500 to 600 clients visit its grocery center daily, according to executive director Anjali Vaya. Through their Member Share Grocery Program, clients can pick out groceries at an affordable price.
But the SNAP change has raised questions about product eligibility for customers.
“Questions are being asked. It’s a fear,” said Vaya. “Is this going to be covered? Is this not going to be covered? What am I looking at as I’m walking in?”
And since UP Orlando does carry those products, Vaya says the days leading up to the change have been extra work for her team.
“As it is, nonprofits work on very, very, very tight budgets,” said Vaya. “And for us to go into the system and actually change out every product to say that this does not qualify has taken us months.”
The state is making the change to promote healthy eating and balanced diets, but some recipients in Central Florida worry that’s overstepping.
“It’s just something that comes with government assistance unfortunately at the end of the day. I’ll be honest, I don’t think they should decide what you can and cannot purchase with the help they give you,” said Senicza Ortiz, a SNAP recipient who shops at UP Orlando.
Shoppers like Ortiz and Beverley Oduola say they aren’t buying these items every grocery trip. But Oduola says if her grandkids are coming over, she’ll buy them a treat, like cookies. Since the items are no longer eligible for purchase with SNAP, she’ll have to pay out of pocket.
“Someone that has the money could buy it, but with us that depends on SNAP, that means we don’t have it. So if they take it away, we have to take it out of the list,” said Oduola.
State Representative Anna Eskamani, who represents Orange County in District 42, hopes this will push companies to create products that have less sugar in them.
“We need to see a change in the products offered to the everyday consumer, especially for someone who is in a tight budget situation, who taps into these programs. They should have the same opportunity to access high-quality food as anyone else, and that needs to be our responsibility longterm,” said Eskamani.
With the SNAP change now in effect, registered dietitians in Central Florida want people to remember moderation is key.
“I’m very against an all-or-nothing mentality. I just don’t think it’s feasible. Especially in the rushed environments we live today. Convenience is definitely a factor that we all take into account when we’re choosing whatever we want to drink and whatever we want to eat,” said Yamivett De La Moneda.
De La Moneda is a clinical nutrition lead for HCA Healthcare’s North Florida Division. She recommends clients aim for healthier alternatives and balanced meals as possible.
“Balancing protein and fiber in a meal is always a good way and a safe bet to have a healthy meal,” said De La Moneda.
She says if you are trying to eat healthier and can’t go all in, that’s okay. She shared advice for people wanting to make that change, such as:
Be willing to try new things and encourage yourself throughout the process
If you’re trying to stay within budget, keep it simple — choose a couple of multi-use ingredients you can make several meals with
If you have a fast lifestyle, balance is key — try planning 2 or 3 days of the week first