South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed a bill that bans the purchase of soft drinks with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on Wednesday.
The bill removes soft drinks that contain natural or artificial sweeteners from the program, such as sports drinks, pop, and Pedialyte. It requires the state’s Department of Social Services to submit a waiver request to exclude beverages from SNAP benefits.
In a letter to legislators, Rhoden said he supports the legislature’s and Trump administration’s aim to encourage healthier eating habits but argued a state waiver was not the appropriate solution.
He stated he will continue to advocate for SNAP reform; state waivers are a temporary solution.
Roden added, if the federal government addresses the issue, the law should be repealed.
Additionally, a bill to expand free and reduced lunch heads to the senate floor for debate on Thursday.
Representative Kaydn Wittman, a Democrat from Sioux Falls, has advocated for expanding free and reduced school meals for the past four years.
Previously, the bill struggled to gain traction but during this session it has received encouraging bipartisan support.
