It’s Official: SNAP Benefits in Montana Will Never Be The Same

Back on April 1st, I shared a story with you about Governor Gianforte's desire to make drastic changes SNAP benefits in Montana.

As of yesterday, those changes were approved and SNAP benefits in Montana will never be the same again.

Big Changes to SNAP Benefits in Montana Are Officially Coming

Back on April 1st, I shared the story with you about Governor Gianforte's proposed changes to SNAP benefits which would restrict junk food items like soft drinks, candy, etc. from being purchases with SNAP.

As of yesterday, those changes were implemented according to a release from the USDA.

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"The Trump Administration is pleased that Governor Gianforte and Montana stepped up to incentivize healthier options for SNAP recipients, Montana is now the 23rd state to join the Make America Healthy Again initiative and refocus efforts on providing nutritious foods for Americans," said USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said in a release.

"Bringing SNAP back to its core principle of nutrition is common sense and we hope to sign waivers for all 50 states soon and promote healthy foods for all Americans."

Governor Gianforte also celebrated the announcement.

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"Thanks to the strong leadership of President Donald J. Trump, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, and Secretary Rollins, we are taking bold steps to Make America Healthy Again," said Governor Gianforte.

"Montana is proud to join 22 other states to ensure taxpayer dollars provide nutritious options that improve health outcomes for those who rely on these crucial programs."

Montanans React to SNAP Restrictions

I personally think this is a good idea, but it's not without potential flaws. For example, the cost of eating healthy.

There is no reason why eating healthier should cost more than eating junk food. Are there ways around it? Absolutely. Because of my wife's battle with MS (multiple sclerosis), we do everything we can to eat as cleanly as possible to avoid inflammation.

We do it together because not only is it helpful for her, but my kids and I benefit from the clean diet as well.

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But we're also aware of how much more it can cost to buy something without all of those extra unnatural ingredients in them or pesticides on them.

We can all try to eat healthier right, but it's difficult to do when a cup of instant noodles is $1 while a salad with white grilled chicken is closer to $5-7 (without dressing.)

Does this new SNAP ban on junk food a signal a change coming? Will consumers have more affordable options to eat healthier? Only time will tell as the changes are expected to be implemented this year.

Let me know your thoughts on this ban HERE. You can check out what Montanans are saying about the new rule below.