American Heart Association stands together with Utah and against the soda industry to reduce sugary drink consumption
SALT LAKE CITY, UT, May 16, 2025 – The American Heart Association, which is committed to changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere, is standing with Utah lawmakers and health officials in their efforts to reduce sugary drink consumption. The Association 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 Association calls upon the USDA to quickly grant the waiver after the state submits its application.
For decades, the soda industry has opposed efforts by the Association and others to pass meaningful public policies to address the overconsumption of sugary drinks.
“Utah and other states across the country are standing up to the soda industry and taking bold moves to improve the health of their citizens,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “The facts are clear - sugary drinks are the largest source of added sugars in the U.S. diet, and sugary drink consumption can lead to cardiovascular disease.”
“The American Heart Association is committed to removing sugary drinks from SNAP, and we are proud to stand in support of Utah’s efforts to do so,” 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.”
The Association 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, the Association 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.
For more information on the Association’s commitment to reducing consumption of sugary drinks, visit: Our Commitment to Reducing Consumption of Sugary Drinks | American Heart Association
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Jennifer Merback: 801-205-2489; jennifer.merback@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
