American Heart Association wants to reduce sugary drink consumption
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The American Heart Association (AHA) says it is standing with Indiana health officials in their efforts to reduce sugary drink consumption in the face of 'fierce opposition' by the soda industry.
The AHA says it submitted a letter in support of the state's intention to apply to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approval to prohibit sugary beverage purchases within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The AHA calls upon the USDA to 'quickly' grant the waiver after the state submits its application.
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Officials with AHA say for decades, the soda industry has opposed efforts by AHA and others to pass 'meaningful public policies' to address the overconsumption of sugary drinks. This behavior continues with the industry's opposition to removing sugary drinks from SNAP, even though sugary drinks are among the most purchased items by SNAP participants.
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'The American Heart Association is committed to removing sugary drinks from SNAP, and we are proud to stand in support of Indiana's efforts to do so over the soda industry's unconscionable opposition,' Brown said. 'As an organization that has opposed Big Soda for decades, we have worked tirelessly to pass public policies that effectively reduce consumption of sugary drinks. The soda industry is using the same desperate playbook to deceive the public and undermine public policies that could benefit public health.'
AHA says it is committed to the shared goal of decreasing sugary beverage consumption and increasing consumption of healthy foods. In addition to advocating for reducing sugary drink consumption in SNAP, AHA has worked with public health partners across the country to increase sugary beverage taxes in Philadelphia, Seattle and communities across California, including Santa Cruz most recently in November 2024.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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