RFK Jr. claims food stamps are fueling diabetes epidemic, wants to block their use for soda, candy

Carl Campanile

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed food stamps are fueling diabetes – as he called Sunday to block the taxpayer-funded welfare program for being used to buy soda and candies.

“Taxpayers should not be financing that,” Kennedy said on the “Cats Roundtable” on WABC 770 AM radio.

He said 18% of federal food stamps to poor families is spent “on candy and sugared drinks” even as nearly 40% of children now have juvenile diabetes.

”We are actually paying for people to get diabetes,” RFK told host John Catsimatidis.

Sugary and fatty foods also contribute to obesity.

American taxpayers are paying twice, RFK said — beginning with funding the purchase of food stamps, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food.

“We’re paying again when they get [treated] through Medicaid and, ultimately, Medicare. We are poisoning them with sugars and ultra-processed food,” RFK said.

A general view of sign that says "we accept SNAP EBT" as seen in a CVS Store in Paramus, NJ on October 5, 2022.

SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors.

Kennedy said the Trump administration is making headway, noting that 14 states have signed waivers that restrict the purchase of non-nutritious items like soda and candy.

“These waivers are a key step in ensuring that taxpayer dollars provide nutritious options that improve health outcomes within SNAP,” the US Dept. of Agriculture said.

https://nypost.com/2025/08/10/us-news/rfk-jr-claims-food-stamps-are-fueling-diabetes-epidemic-wants-to-block-their-use-for-soda-candy/