This HIA will inform the Illinois General Assembly’s deliberations on legislative proposals to seek a waiver from USDA to ban the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing sugar-sweetened beverages.
IPHI will conduct a balanced, science-driven assessment of the potential health benefits – such as a lower risk of obesity, tooth decay, and diabetes – and risks, including reduced participation in SNAP by eligible families, hunger, mental health impacts related to social exclusion and restriction of freedom of choice, and the potential for such policies to add to the stigma associated with SNAP participation.