A woman in Savannah, Georgia, has sparked outrage online after she posted a video on Instagram complaining about how she’s now unable to purchase the junk food she craved using her EBT card. This comes after the USDA approved waivers to restrict “non-nutritious” food items for SNAP recipients in certain states starting in 2026, as a measure to encourage healthy eating.
The woman said the government ban has made her “depressed” and triggered a “mental breakdown.” She said when she visited a Walgreens in her area to buy a can of soda, she realized her EBT card would not cover it. “I needed a cold Dr. Pepper and it wouldn’t go through,” the Georgia resident said. “Like why did they stop us from being able to use our food stamp card.”
The woman also lamented that her benefits would no longer cover her other cravings, including chips, chocolates, and sweets. “Can’t buy no fruit roll-ups. I can’t buy no Gushers. I can’t buy no Honey Bun with my food stamp card. I’m depressed about this,” she added.
The video has since made its way to other social media platforms, where it was reposted to X by @ImMeMe0.
What People Are Saying About the Georgia Woman’s Video
In response to the video, many netizens argued that the government program was designed to support essential nutrition rather than discretionary or unhealthy purchases.
“The government should not help you be unhealthy!” one person wrote. Another commented, “You are getting money from govt to purchase healthy food – if you want junk that will kill you- GET A JOB!” A third said, “Snap isn’t the solution to your laziness, that’s why the government keeps spending without good returns.”
Some were even more critical of the woman, saying that “she views the American taxpayer as her personal ATM” and that she needs to be “completely removed from welfare.”
Not everyone was entirely dismissive, however. A handful of commenters acknowledged that cravings can feel intense and encouraged her to seek alternatives. “These things are addictive. I don’t doubt she’s having a mental breakdown but it will pass. Make a pitcher of ice tea or kool-aid and bake some cookies,” one comment read. Another even assured her she will “thank that decision making one day.”
Although the program prohibits the use of EBT cards to buy junk food, recipients can still purchase the items using their own cash.
