Colorado soda SNAP ban runs into trouble

Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ plan to seek a waiver from the Agriculture Department rules to stop participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from buying sodas and other sweetened beverages has run into a roadblock after SNAP participants told the Colorado Board of Human Services that they would be shamed while buying groceries. Witnesses also said people with Type 1 diabetes need a sugary drink when their blood sugar level is low.

Polis needs approval of the board to put the ban in place, but this week the board delayed a vote on the plan.

Dozens of people testified against the ban, and seven state senators and 20 representatives, all members of the governor’s political party, asked the board to vote no, The Colorado Sun reported.

The delay is also a setback for the Trump administration’s encouragement of the states to seek waivers.