MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama Senate has approved legislation that would prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using benefits to purchase certain sodas and sugary processed foods.
SB 57, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), directs the Alabama Department of Human Resources to seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude soda and candy from eligible SNAP items. The bill does not reduce the amount of benefits recipients receive but restricts how funds can be used.
Orr said the measure aims to address high obesity rates, particularly among children enrolled in Medicaid. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranked Alabama fourth nationwide for adult obesity in 2024.
The Senate adopted amendments refining definitions of soda and candy and requiring the Alabama Department of Revenue to maintain a list of ineligible products. Lawmakers also approved a “three strikes” provision allowing retailers three violations within a fiscal year before fines may be imposed.
The bill passed 23-2 and now moves to the Alabama House for consideration.
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