Standing Up for All Americans by Protecting Consumer Choice
Americans deserve choices and clear information so they can choose the foods and beverages that are right for themselves and their families. In fact, choices and information – not restrictions and taxes – lead to better outcomes for families, including those who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. That’s why we were at the table when the White House convened a conference to address hunger, nutrition and health. And we weren’t alone. We have a broad set of allies who support maintaining choice within the SNAP program, including hunger advocates and retailers.
We also know that, despite their intent, discriminatory taxes on beverages wouldn’t improve public health or advance nutrition equity. But they would place a burden on small businesses as well as working families. So when 19 beverage tax bills were introduced last year—from California to Hawaii, Maine to New York, Rhode Island to Tennessee and beyond—we stood up for those who would be impacted most, protecting consumer choice and ensuring these proposals would never impact their grocery bills. We also saw the oldest beverage tax in the country unanimously repealed by the state legislature and subsequently signed by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice. This action was a long time in the making. Importantly, we demonstrated our relentless commitment to states and cities everywhere that we will continue to fight unfair, regressive policies that single out our products.
