The Colorado Board of Human Services has delayed its decision on whether to restrict the use of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds to purchase sweetened drinks. The board was divided on the issue, with some members concerned about reducing sugar consumption while others were worried about the impact on low-income individuals.
The proposed Colorado Healthy Choice Waiver would have limited SNAP funds to beverages with added sugar or artificial sweeteners, allowing only milk, plant-based milk substitutes, or juice to be purchased starting April 30. However, the board’s vote has pushed back the implementation of this restriction.
If the waiver is approved, SNAP recipients in Colorado will no longer be able to use their benefits to buy diet and full-sugar sodas. Instead, options like chocolate milk, unsweetened seltzers, and certain juice drinks will still be eligible for purchase. Those who wish to buy ineligible drinks can use other income sources to do so.
The board’s decision is crucial as it will determine whether Colorado can implement a change that was requested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Without the board’s approval, the Colorado Department of Human Services cannot enforce the regulations needed to restrict SNAP purchases of soft drinks.
Public opinion on the waiver remains divided, with some opposing the measure due to concerns about stigma and hunger, while others support it citing health benefits. The Colorado Medical Society has endorsed removing sugary beverages from SNAP based on research linking these drinks to negative health outcomes.
Ultimately, the decision will impact approximately 600,000 SNAP recipients in Colorado, half of whom are children. While restricting soda purchases may not save the state money, it aligns with efforts to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce the burden on healthcare services for low-income individuals.
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