COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Colorado\u2019s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is seeing changes. <\/p>\n
The Governor\u2019s office said even with our state being one of the healthiest in the nation, we still have an obesity rate of just under 25%, which he says is still high. <\/p>\n
Starting next year, any drinks with over 5% sugar or artificial sweetener content per 12 ounces will no longer be eligible under SNAP<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s good that they\u2019re going for the nutrition factor, because SNAP and benefits like that are for providing healthy food,\u201d one Colorado Springs resident said. <\/p>\n
Dr. Kristen Kells told 11 News this change will hopefully create better habits for kids. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re basically leeching from a child the ability to eat nutrient dense food, and adults, \u201d Kells said, \u201cbut it\u2019s so foundational for children in SNAP benefits because that\u2019s where we lay down our patterns, our habits, our lifestyle, the things we love, the things we wanna taste.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Kells also told 11 News sugary drinks could be the first of many restrictions made to the SNAP program to encourage healthy eating throughout Colorado. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s hopefully a move in the right direction,\u201d Kells said, \u201cit\u2019s so difficult to be healthy in the United States because what we have easy access to is terrible for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Colorado is still waiting to hear about two other proposed changes that would allow those who use SNAP to buy ready-to-eat hot food from grocery stores, and will allow farmers market vendors to accept SNAP payments. <\/p>\n
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