The MAHA vs. retail battle begins with SNAP waivers 

The first signs of retail pushback on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) changes have materialized. 

And it’s a battle in which the produce industry has a stake, and I think we should fight. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins gave public support this week to Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ waiver to USDA to ban soda and candy and include hot rotisserie chicken in Arkansas’ SNAP program. 

“Governor Sanders is confronting childhood disease head on, and it starts with what families consume,” Rollins said. “Today’s waiver announcement is a welcome one, and I look forward to moving through the approval process swiftly. I encourage more states across the nation to follow the bold lead of states like Arkansas as we Make America Healthy Again (MAHA).” 

“President Trump and his administration have put a laser focus on solving America’s chronic disease epidemic, and reforming our food stamp program is a great place to start,” said Governor Sanders. “Banning soda and candy from food stamps will remove some of the least-healthy, most-processed foods from the program and encourage low-income Arkansans to eat better. Arkansas leads the nation in common-sense, conservative reforms, and this move is a strong first step toward broader changes to our food stamp program.” 

Under President Trump, the USDA and department of Health and Human Services plan to ensure that government programs work harder to encourage healthy eating and lifestyle habits.  

In response, the National Grocers Association BB #:163424, which represents independent supermarket operators, says USDA should consider the unintended consequences to Main Street grocers that may arise as they work to approve waivers for the restriction of certain foods in SNAP.  

“Restrictions tied to SNAP food purchases can have far-reaching consequences for Main Street businesses,” NGA said. “Independent grocers are cornerstones of their local economies, and any disruption in the program or confusion caused by changes can affect store operations, workforce stability, and supply chain relationships. These ripple effects may reduce the ability of local grocers to invest in their communities by creating jobs, supporting nearby small businesses, and maintaining essential services in the underserved areas where they often operate and are the only connection to healthy food options. 

“Only through transparent, evidence-based policymaking can we preserve SNAP’s integrity and success while continuing to improve outcomes for families who rely on this essential program.” 

NGA’s response is purposeful and diplomatic, but the reality is their member retailers are concerned that any SNAP changes or cuts will lead to lower retail sales from consumers using SNAP. 

The MAHA agenda of improving Americans’ health through better food is a good and ambitious one and one that could greatly benefit the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. 

The NGA is right that there could be unintended consequences and confusion that leads to less consumer spending, especially in the short term. 

Long term, government policy that works toward encouraging consumers to change their diets to more closely align with the government’s own recommendations, should be the goal. 

As a reminder, MyPlate is still the symbol for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, recommending fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.  

The symbol shows fruits and vegetables as half the plate, and any government changes to get closer to that would be a massive win for the fresh produce industry. 

I’ve long argued that the produce industry should fight harder to get a bigger share of government dietary spending, and if that means calling out unhealthy products like soda and candy and even challenging retailers who oppose those restrictions, so be it.