Is the American Heart Association Against Removing Soda from SNAP? The Real Stance

According to numerous official statements and filings, the American Heart Association is not against removing soda from SNAP; in fact, they actively support and advocate for policies that would prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for sugary beverages. This position aligns with their long-standing mission to reduce cardiovascular disease by decreasing the consumption of sugary drinks.

Quick Summary

The American Heart Association supports state-level efforts to prohibit the purchase of sugary drinks using SNAP benefits, submitting comments to the USDA and advocating for public health policies to reduce sugary beverage consumption.

Key Points

• AHA Supports Removing Soda: The American Heart Association (AHA) actively supports and advocates for policies restricting the purchase of sugary beverages with SNAP benefits.

• Health Risks Cited: The AHA's position is based on the scientific link between high consumption of sugary drinks and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.

• Advocates for State Waivers: The AHA has submitted formal comments to the USDA supporting applications from multiple states, including Iowa and Arkansas, to ban sugary drink purchases via SNAP.

• Combating Industry Opposition: The organization has long countered the soda industry's efforts to block public health policies aimed at reducing sugary drink overconsumption.

• Promotes Healthier Incentives: Alongside restrictions, the AHA supports incentive programs that encourage SNAP participants to buy more nutritious foods like fresh produce.

• Part of Broader Policy: The push for SNAP restrictions is part of the AHA's wider strategy, which also includes supporting sugary drink taxes and educational campaigns.

American Heart Association's Official Stance on SNAP and Sugary Drinks

The American Heart Association (AHA) has made its position on the sale of sugary drinks under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) very clear and consistent. Far from being against the idea, the AHA is a vocal proponent for policies that would restrict the purchase of sugary beverages with SNAP funds. They view such restrictions as a critical public health measure aimed at combating diet-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Since at least early 2025, the AHA has submitted official written comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supporting waiver applications from states like Iowa, Arkansas, and West Virginia. These applications seek federal permission to disallow the use of SNAP benefits for buying soda and other sugary drinks. The AHA argues that these beverages are the largest source of added sugars in the American diet and contribute significantly to negative health outcomes.

The Health Imperative and Sugary Beverages

The AHA's stance is rooted in scientific evidence linking high consumption of sugary drinks to poor health. For decades, the organization has campaigned against overconsumption of these beverages, often facing opposition from the soda industry. Their advocacy extends beyond SNAP restrictions to include supporting sugary beverage taxes in various municipalities, as seen in Philadelphia and Seattle. The organization’s goal is to create a healthier food environment for all Americans, and they believe limiting the subsidy of unhealthy items through public programs is a logical and necessary step.

Industry Opposition vs. Public Health Goals

For many years, the soda industry and its trade organizations have pushed back against restrictions on sugary drink sales, including those related to SNAP. They have historically opposed meaningful public policies aimed at reducing sugary drink consumption. The AHA's official statements note that this opposition continues despite evidence that sugary drinks are among the most frequently purchased items by SNAP participants. The AHA, along with other public health partners, is dedicated to countering this industry pressure to prioritize public health.

AHA's Strategy and Support

The AHA's strategy involves a multi-pronged approach to reduce sugary drink consumption. This includes:

• State-level advocacy: Supporting state governments that apply for USDA waivers to restrict sugary beverage purchases within SNAP.
• Educational campaigns: Raising awareness about the health risks associated with high sugar intake.
• Incentive programs: Supporting programs that encourage the purchase of healthier foods. For example, some states have implemented initiatives that double the value of SNAP benefits when used for fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Taxation: Advocating for excise taxes on sugary drinks to make them less affordable.
• Policy reforms: Recommending that federal and state governments discourage marketing of sugary drinks to children and teens.

SNAP and Dietary Quality: A Comparison

Feature	Current SNAP Program	Proposed SNAP Restrictions (AHA Supported)
Eligible Foods	Broad range, including most groceries. Currently, does not exclude sugary beverages.	Explicitly excludes sugary beverages like soda, fruit drinks below 50% juice, and energy drinks.
Incentive Structure	Basic EBT system, with standard purchasing power for all eligible items.	Encourages incentive programs (like Double Up Food Bucks) for fruits and vegetables, potentially increasing purchasing power for healthy options.
Health Impact	Associated with purchases of unhealthy items alongside nutritious food.	Aims to reduce consumption of added sugars and mitigate related health risks, potentially improving long-term health outcomes for recipients.
Recipient Autonomy	Provides maximum choice within eligible food categories, including less nutritious options.	Restricts choice of unhealthy items to direct funds toward healthier alternatives, sparking debate over recipient freedom versus public health.
Program Goal	To provide food security by supplementing income for low-income families.	To provide food security while actively promoting better nutrition and public health outcomes.

Public Health Policy and the Path Forward

The debate over restricting sugary drinks in SNAP is complex, balancing public health goals with concerns about individual choice and potential stigma. However, the AHA's position is a clear reflection of a broader public health consensus that acknowledges the detrimental effects of excessive sugar consumption. By advocating for these restrictions, the AHA is pushing for public programs to evolve in a way that reflects modern nutritional science and addresses the chronic disease epidemics facing the nation.

Many states are taking steps in this direction, and the AHA's support lends significant credibility and momentum to these efforts. The ultimate goal is to see a healthier food supply for everyone, including those who rely on food assistance programs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the claim that the American Heart Association is against removing soda from SNAP is completely false. All evidence indicates the exact opposite: the AHA is a strong advocate for removing sugary beverages from the list of SNAP-eligible items. This stance is consistent with their broader public health mission to reduce cardiovascular disease and is supported by their active engagement with policymakers and agencies like the USDA. As more states seek waivers to implement these changes, the AHA is a key ally in the push for healthier nutrition policies within the nation's food assistance programs.

Resources

• American Heart Association Newsroom

Sources

: American Heart Association sugary drink SNAP purchase ban. (2025, May 19). KWQC. https://www.kwqc.com/2025/05/19/american-heart-association-supports-lawmakers-banning-snap-purchases-sugary-drinks/ : American Heart Association in full support of Governor Morrisey's request to remove soda from SNAP eligibility. (2025, May 29). WV MetroNews. https://wvmetronews.com/2025/05/29/american-heart-association-in-full-support-of-governor-morriseys-request-to-remove-soda-from-snap-eligibility/ : American Heart Association comes out in favor of Arkansas Gov. Sanders' plan to reduce sugar consumption. (2025, April 30). KARK. https://www.kark.com/news/state-news/american-heart-association-comes-out-in-favor-of-arkansas-gov-sanders-plan-to-reduce-sugar-consumption/ : American Academy of Pediatrics and American Heart Association Endorse Suite of Policies to Reduce Kids’ Consumption of Sugary Drinks. (n.d.). Voices for Healthy Kids. https://voicesforhealthykids.org/news/american_academy_of_pediatrics_and_american_heart_association_endorse_suite_of_policies_to_reduce_kids_consumption_of_sugary_drinks : Roberto, C. A. (2025, March 31). SNAP Benefits Shouldn’t Cover Sugary Drinks Like Soda. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/snap-benefits-shouldnt-cover-sugary-drinks-like-soda-opinion-2051513 : Six More States Ban Junk Food From SNAP Benefits. (2025, August 5). Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/six-states-ban-junk-food-snap-benefits-2108900 : Nationwide Debate Over SNAP Purchases: Should Soda And Candy Be Restricted? (2025, April 21). Dallas Express. https://dallasexpress.com/health/nationwide-debate-over-snap-purchases-should-soda-and-candy-be-restricted/ : Missouri lawmakers debate ban on use of food stamps for candy, soda. (n.d.). KSDK. https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/ban-food-stamps-candy-soda-debated-missouri-lawmakers/63-efe819d6-c069-4946-a3bb-f8931d9d65c3 : SNAP Purchasing Power for Nutritious Food. (2022, March). Center for Science in the Public Interest. https://www.cspi.org/sites/default/files/2022-03/SNAP_Purchasing_Power_2.pdf : SNAP Incentives Support Local Economies & Local Health Efforts. (2021, May 19). Voices for Healthy Kids. https://voicesforhealthykids.org/assets/resources/snap-decision-maker-fact-sheet.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the American Heart Association want to ban all junk food on SNAP?

While the AHA specifically focuses on the health risks of sugary drinks due to their high sugar content and impact on cardiovascular health, other groups and legislative efforts aim to restrict a wider range of junk foods. The AHA's primary focus in this context is on sugary beverages.

What is the American Heart Association's main reason for supporting the removal of soda from SNAP?

The main reason is to improve public health by reducing the consumption of sugary drinks, which are the largest source of added sugars in the U.S. diet. High intake is linked to cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.

How does the soda industry view efforts to restrict sugary drinks on SNAP?

The soda industry and its trade associations have historically opposed efforts by public health organizations, including the AHA, to restrict sugary drinks in SNAP. They often cite concerns about consumer choice and market impacts.

Are SNAP restrictions on sugary drinks happening in other states?

Yes, several states have either applied for or passed legislation seeking waivers from the USDA to ban junk food purchases with SNAP benefits. These efforts are part of an ongoing nationwide debate.

What happens if a state's waiver to ban sugary drinks from SNAP is approved?

If a state's waiver is approved by the USDA, it would allow that state to prohibit the use of SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for purchasing soda and other specified sugary drinks at participating retailers.

What are some alternatives to restricting food choices on SNAP?

Alternatives include implementing incentive programs that give SNAP participants extra funds for purchasing healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, often known as 'double-up' programs.

Who else supports removing soda from SNAP?

Besides the American Heart Association, many other public health advocates, organizations like the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and some lawmakers and state governors support removing soda from SNAP benefits.