It’s the holiday season and many families across the country are preparing for celebrations, parties, and family gatherings. Many of these get-togethers will feature meals that may include special treats or common party staples. 

For some families who participate in the SNAP program, this may be the last time they are able to purchase those items with SNAP benefits. 

As anyone who has participated in SNAP or other safety net programs already knows, while these programs serve as a lifeline, the administration of them can feel like they strip away some of your dignity. There’s red tape that can be overwhelming, constant demands to prove your need, and the judgment and skepticism participants often face. 

Now, certain lawmakers want to further shame SNAP recipients by depriving them of the agency to choose the food items to buy for their families. 

As of now, nearly 20 states have received waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that lets them implement restrictions limiting what SNAP participants can buy with SNAP. Restrictions in some states will go into effect in less than two weeks. The specific policy changes vary by state, but many prohibit the purchase of soda, candy, and energy drinks. Some rules are more vague – the new rules in Arkansas, for example, ban the purchase of “unhealthy drinks.” South Carolina, meanwhile, plans to restrict SNAP participants from buying “sweetened beverages.” 

Sure, in an ideal world, every family would have a kitchen stocked with fresh produce and other nutritious foods. But that’s not always financially feasible for people whose budgets are already stretched to the limit. The reality is, junk food is often the most affordable option – and, sometimes, the only option. And when your children are hungry, a not-so-nutritious snack is better than having no snack at all. 

As most people are well aware, grocery prices are continuing to soar, and sometimes nutritional value must take a backseat to price tags. Food prices are rising faster than overall inflation – due in part to widespread tariffs implemented by President Trump. Unless this administration plans to take drastic action to lower food prices – especially for fresh fruits and vegetables, which can be quite pricey, especially during the winter months in certain parts of the country – low-income families will often be forced to let their budgets dictate their grocery choices. In addition, many low-income people live in areas known as“food deserts” where there is limited food access, especially for people with transportation challenges. In some rural and inner-city communities, convenience stores (where prices tend to be higher) may be their only option. 

Rising grocery prices aside, everyone enjoys the occasional treat. Prepared desserts – such as those that will soon be on the SNAP-prohibited list in Florida – are a highlight of many celebrations. For people trying to survive on very little, this tiny indulgence may be a rare bright spot that brings just a momentary bit of pleasure. That little taste of happiness is, apparently, more than some lawmakers feel certain people deserve. 

Is humiliation the price of a helping hand? Corporations get plenty of government handouts, but I don’t recall hearing about CEOs being told what they can put in their grocery baskets. Farmers are getting billions of dollars in bailouts, but I doubt anyone will control what they put in their refrigerators. 

SNAP participants are already forced to abide by an array of restrictions and regulations. Is it asking too much to allow them the agency to decide for themselves whether to buy an occasional bottle of soda or candy bar? Our state and national leaders should be focusing their energy on fighting poverty and making basic expenses more affordable, instead of wasting time policing people’s fridges and acting like a Grinch during the holidays.