As the federal government continues with a shutdown that could temporarily halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans, renewed scrutiny has fallen on how those funds are spent — particularly on sugary drinks.
Critics note that sugar-sweetened beverages are the number one item purchased with food stamps, a trend that public health experts say contributes to soaring rates of obesity and diabetes among many, especially low-income Americans.
The issue has sparked debate not only about nutrition but also about corporate welfare, as major retailers and beverage companies profit heavily from SNAP transactions.
“Beverages loaded with sugar are a key reason why we have so many health problems in this country, especially with people in the lower income brackets,” said Dr. Harvey Manes of Westhampton Beach, a philanthropist and physician who advocates for a healthier public.
“We see far too many cases of diabetes, obesity, and other diseases. This can be dramatically reduced by being more careful about what we consume,” Dr. Manes said.
According to USDA data, about 25 percent of all SNAP spending goes to Walmart, making the retail giant one of the largest beneficiaries of the program. Analysts estimate that sugary beverage makers receive up to a quarter of their U.S. retail revenue from purchases made with food stamps.
A recent Guardian investigation revealed that the soda industry has mounted a covert campaign to block state-level efforts restricting SNAP purchases of sugary drinks, deploying political strategists and paid influencers to protect billions in annual revenue.
Public health advocates argue that restricting SNAP soda sales would be a major step toward improving nutrition and cutting long-term healthcare costs.
“It’s not just about sugar and calories,” Dr. Manes said. “It’s about accountability — and the health of a nation that’s being sweetened to death.”