A child cannot flourish on Twinkies, candy and soda alone. Sadly, the state and negligent parents allow too many to try it.

That’s why Colorado Gov. Jared Polis deserves support for joining 17 states in requesting waivers from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to ban soda and junk food purchases with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

This bold move, part of President Donald Trump’s Make America Healthy Again agenda, aligns with a civilized society’s duty to ensure children have access to nourishing food, not harmful substitutes that undermine their health. Nutrition and health transcend politics — they are the bedrock of a strong society that prioritizes future generations.

As of this month, 12 states have secured these waivers: Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia and Colorado. Five others — Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Montana and Tennessee — have introduced bills or submitted waiver requests, signaling broad momentum.

Polis, among only three Democratic governors on board, brings bipartisan credibility to this effort, recognizing that SNAP’s purpose — to enhance health and well-being — is betrayed when 20% of its $24 billion annual budget funds soda, candy and processed snacks. These waivers, effective in 2026, restrict such purchases, prioritizing staples such as fruits, vegetables and grains.

A compassionate society ensures that no child goes hungry, but providing food that harms rather than heals does a disservice. Recent scientific data underscores the stakes. A 2024 study in Pediatrics found that high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and processed foods in children is linked to a 30% increased risk of obesity, which triples the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes by adolescence.

Excess sugar disrupts brain development, impairing cognitive functions such as memory and attention, based on data from a 2023 Nature review. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported in 2025 that diets high in added sugars and sodium correlate with higher rates of anxiety and depression in youth, stunting emotional and intellectual growth. Physically, junk food fuels chronic conditions — obesity costs the U.S. health system $173 billion annually, disproportionately affecting low-income communities reliant on SNAP.

By backing the waiver, Polis acknowledges that Colorado’s obesity rate, even at 24.9% — the country’s lowest — is too high. His vision extends beyond health: reducing SNAP-funded junk food can shrink food deserts, as grocers reallocate shelf space to nutritious options. This aligns with the Healthy SNAP Act, proposed by Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Josh Brecheen, which seeks a nationwide ban on SNAP junk food purchases. Congress should follow Polis’ example, uniting across party lines to make this reform permanent.

Critics argue these restrictions limit choice, but enabling addiction to harmful foods is not freedom. SNAP’s original intent, established in 1964, was to support health — not to subsidize diabetes and heart disease.

Nutrition is not a partisan issue, but a moral imperative. Polis’ decision to join 16 other states in seeking these waivers sets a national example. Congress must act swiftly to pass the Healthy SNAP Act, ensuring taxpayer dollars do more good than harm. By prioritizing children’s mental, physical, and intellectual development, we build a stronger, healthier, more equitable future for all.

The Gazette Editorial Board