Anti-hunger, public health groups: New restrictions on SNAP translate to higher costs, fewer choices

Hawaiʻi is among six states set to impose new restrictions on what types of food can be purchased with benefits from SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — still commonly referred to as food stamps — as announced recently through U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Make America Healthier Again initiative.

With nearly 1 in 3 Hawai‘i families already not able to get enough food, local anti-hunger and public health organizations are concerned the new restrictions will place additional burdens on families, grocery retailers and state administrators — all while doing nothing to guarantee better health outcomes.

Sugary products play a clear role in many preventable health conditions, but a SNAP-specific ban is not an effective public health strategy, say Hawaiʻi Appleseed, Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute and Hawaiʻi Childrenʻs Action Network Speaks! in a recent joint press release outlining their opposition to the new restrictions

The real barrier to healthy eating is affordability.

Hawaiʻi families who already struggle to make ends meet can barely cover basics; this new limitation only restricts choice and attacks low-income people.

Targeting SNAP recipients

Sugary products are a health concern for the entire state, and policies to decrease the state’s sugar consumption should be focused on all residents, not just those who receive federal SNAP benefits.

“Targeting only those who receive SNAP is an attack on their dignity and autonomy, and diverts attention from more comprehensive, evidence-based public health solutions,” said the release.

Incentives instead of restrictions

There are proven, effective ways to strengthen SNAP and improve diets through expanding incentives for local, nutritious foods so healthy options are more affordable than processed alternatives.

Research has found no significant improvements in diet quality among SNAP participants subject to restrictions; however, increasing fruit and vegetable incentives among SNAP participants is proven to increase fruit and vegetable purchases while also decreasing purchase of sugar-sweetened beverages.

Programs such as Hawaiʻi’s DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks nutrition incentive program — offered statewide through The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s food bank and offers 50% off on Hawai’i-grown fruits and vegetables to low-income families receiving SNAP benefits — are proven to be much more effective at producing healthy outcomes and are preferred by the public.

Impact on retailers

For many food retailers, SNAP makes up a significant portion of sales.

While Hawaiʻi’s restriction is limited to soft drinks, it still would require retailers to reprogram cash registers and online systems, retrain staff and manage a more confusing checkout process.

Some retailers might decide to drop out of the program entirely — threatening access to food assistance in communities where grocery options are already limited.

Costs will likely be passed on to all customers, potentially driving up the price of food across the board.

Administrative burden

Hawai‘i Department of Human Services, which administers SNAP benefits in the islands, is also already scrambling to implement the recently passed federal budget reconciliation bill, which adds new costs and eligibility changes onto the state.

This additional restriction only adds red tape and diverts staff time away from critical tasks like ensuring timely benefits and reducing error rates.

“The [U.S. Department of Agriculture’s] approval of SNAP food-restriction waivers for Hawaiʻi and other states does not strengthen this vital safety net — it complicates it, stigmatizes recipients and threatens access for many who need SNAP the most,” the organizations said in their joint release.