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Politics March 30,2025 | Independence Journal Editorial Team

Taxpayers No Longer Footing The Bill For Soda As RFK Jr. Takes On SNAP Waste

Taxpayer-funded soda is on its way out, and not everyone is happy about it — especially some so-called conservatives now shilling for the soda industry. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has launched a push to remove sugary drinks from the list of items that can be purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and West Virginia is leading the charge.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Friday that his state is requesting a federal waiver to block SNAP recipients from using government benefits to buy soda. Kennedy quickly backed the move and encouraged other governors to do the same. “I urge every Governor to follow West Virginia’s lead and submit a waiver to the USDA to remove soda from SNAP,” he said.

 

The move is part of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign — and for taxpayers, that could also mean Make America Stop Paying for Soda. Kennedy pointed out the absurdity of taxpayers funding drinks that are not only unnecessary but contribute to the very health problems that government programs later have to cover.

Despite the common-sense approach, some voices on the Right have taken to social media in what appears to be a coordinated effort to oppose the policy. These influencers — many of whom had not previously addressed food policy at all — began promoting nearly identical posts defending soda purchases as a “freedom” issue. Critics suggest some may have been paid off by beverage lobbyists.

White House adviser Calley Means rejected that framing outright. “We’re not saying anyone can’t drink Coke,” he said. “We’re saying no government subsidies for Coke.” Kennedy echoed the point, saying this isn’t about banning soda — just ending taxpayer support for it.

The backlash isn’t only coming from activists. The American Beverage Association is also upset, with one representative claiming soda isn’t driving obesity and calling the criticism unfair. But Kennedy and others point to the billions spent on treating diseases linked to poor nutrition — often made worse by excessive soda consumption.

Fifteen governors are currently in talks with the administration about applying for similar waivers. If approved, those states would join West Virginia in putting an end to one of the more absurd uses of taxpayer money in modern welfare policy.

 

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