CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey formally requested a federal waiver Wednesday to eliminate soda pop purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, in what he calls a move aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles across West Virginia.
If the federal government approves West Virginia’s SNAP waiver request, it would become one of the first states in the nation to restrict soda purchases through SNAP—an effort proponents say is long overdue to address diet-related health issues like obesity and diabetes.
The SNAP waiver proposal, which must receive federal approval, is a cornerstone of Morrisey’s strategy to “clean up the food” available through public assistance programs. If approved, the waiver would prevent SNAP recipients from using benefits to purchase sugary soft drinks and instead prioritize access to more nutritious options.
The request is part of the Governor’s comprehensive “Four Pillars of a Healthy West Virginia” plan, unveiled earlier this year.
The Governor’s “Four Pillars of a Healthy West Virginia” include:
- Clean Up the Food
- Find Purpose, Find Health
- Move Your Body, Change Your Life
- Reward Healthy Choices
Joining Governor Morrisey at a March West Virginia health initiative launch outlining Morrissey’s wellness reform plans was U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who praised the Governor’s leadership.
“Today marks a powerful step toward a healthier future for our children,” Secretary Kennedy stated. “We are restoring public trust in our health agencies and working to Make America Healthy Again by eliminating harmful food dyes from school lunches and ensuring taxpayer-funded nutrition programs promote wholesome, nourishing choices.”
“The Make America Healthy Again movement starts right here in West Virginia,” said Governor Morrisey at the conference. “We’re cleaning up our foods, promoting exercise, and putting nutrition back into SNAP. I’m committed to Secretary Kennedy’s vision for America and raising health standards here in the Mountain State.”
You can watch Morrisey’s announcement here.
