La. State Senate Bill Would Ban Purchase Of Soft Drinks With SNAP Benefits

A proposed bill in the state Senate would prohibit SNAP recipients from using food stamps to buy soft drinks.

Governor Jeff Landry and other state officials support the idea, saying sugary drinks aren't healthy for kids.

Supporters of the bill say allowing tax money to buy sodas encourages unhealthy habits and makes Louisiana's poor health rankings even worse.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services says nearly half of the state's SNAP recipients are children.

Federal law limits state restrictions on SNAP purchases.