Colorado Delays SNAP Soda Ban, Governor Plans Executive Order

Polis aims to end state funding for sugary drinks in food assistance program.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:16pm

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A highly stylized, abstract silkscreen print featuring a single soda can repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the debate over restricting sugary drink purchases with food assistance funds.Colorado's governor aims to restrict the use of food assistance funds for sugary drinks, sparking a debate over nutrition and industry influence.Denver Today

Colorado's proposed ban on allowing the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to pay for sugary sodas has been temporarily put on hold, but Governor Jared Polis plans to issue an executive order to end state funding for those purchases.

Why it matters

The soda ban was intended to promote healthier eating habits among low-income Coloradans relying on SNAP benefits, but faced pushback from the beverage industry. Polis' executive order aims to achieve the same goal without requiring legislative approval.

The details

The proposed SNAP soda ban was part of a broader bill that would have prohibited the use of food assistance funds to purchase sugary drinks. While the bill stalled in the state legislature, Polis now plans to bypass lawmakers and issue an executive order to prohibit the state from spending SNAP funds on soda and other sweetened beverages.

  • The proposed SNAP soda ban was introduced in the Colorado legislature in early 2026.
  • The bill has been temporarily put on hold as of April 3, 2026.
  • Governor Polis plans to issue the executive order in the coming weeks.

The players

Jared Polis

The Governor of Colorado who plans to issue an executive order to end state funding for sugary drinks in the SNAP program.

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What they’re saying

“We must find ways to encourage healthier eating habits, especially for those relying on food assistance. My executive order will be an important step in that direction.”

— Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado

What’s next

Governor Polis is expected to sign the executive order banning SNAP funds for sugary drinks in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This move by the Colorado governor highlights the ongoing debate over how to promote nutritious food choices for low-income families while navigating the influence of the powerful beverage industry.