Maine Gov. Paul LePage said it was “extremely disappointing” that the USDA denied his request to ban the purchase of candy and sugary drinks with food stamps on grounds it would help prevent obesity, reported the Bangor Daily News. LePage supported the election of President Trump and had hoped for a different decision than the denial he received in 2016 during the Obama administration.
The obesity rate in Maine has tripled since 1990, although when it comes to state obesity rankings, it falls near the middle, with 30 percent of its adults being obese. A ban on candy and soda “has never been granted to any state or city,” said the Bangor newspaper.
“The issue doesn’t easily break down along party lines in Maine. Most Republicans and some Democrats agree with LePage’s health arguments, but other Democrats and anti-poverty advocates have said it’s not an effective solution to that public health issue,” said the Daily News.
A USDA study suggests recipients spend 5 cents of each food stamp dollar on soda and 2 cents on candy. Besides rejection by the federal government, which pays food stamp benefits, LePage was thwarted by legislators in earlier attempts to restrict items eligible for food stamps.
Also this week, the USDA clarified its policy on foods that can be purchased with food stamps. The five-page memorandum is available here.