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4w ago

West Virginia Leads with Soda Ban Under SNAP and Food Dye Restrictions

Governor Patrick Morrisey signs pioneering legislation and requests federal waivers as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calls for nationwide adoption of health-focused reforms.

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Health secretary RFK Jr. speaks during an event with West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Friday in Martinsburg, W. Va. Photo: Stephanie Scarbrough/AP
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears for his swearing in ceremony in Washington, D.C. on February 13, 2025.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, on the day he is sworn in as secretary of Health and Human Service in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo

Overview

  • West Virginia became the first state to formally request a federal waiver to prohibit soda purchases under SNAP benefits, aligning with the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative.
  • Governor Patrick Morrisey signed legislation banning seven food dyes, effective August for school lunches and expanding to all state food products by 2028.
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged other governors to follow West Virginia's lead, emphasizing the need to eliminate taxpayer-funded soda subsidies for healthier public nutrition.
  • Critics argue these measures overlook systemic challenges like food affordability, access in food deserts, and the stigmatization of low-income communities.
  • The Trump administration, through Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, expressed support for granting waivers, signaling potential for broader implementation across states.