Washington - Statement from American Beverage on proposed restrictions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by Gov. Huckabee-Sanders:

“The fact is that soda is not driving obesity in America. While adult obesity is up 37.4% since 2000, beverage calories per serving are down 42%. This is a result of intentional innovation to provide more choices with less sugar and clear information, so Americans choose what's right for them and their families. It's working: nearly 60% of beverages Americans buy have zero sugar.

“Our strong track record shows that we’re committed to driving real solutions to the challenges facing America. In fact, we voluntarily removed full calorie beverages from schools in 2006 and do not market to children. Because when it comes to kids, parents should be empowered to make the choice on what they eat and drink.

“Families on SNAP make the same decisions that we all do when buying groceries and deserve the dignity of choice. Limiting choice by restricting SNAP purchases won’t make Americans healthier or save taxpayers money. Rather, these proposals would effectively create a two-tiered system in which the right to personal autonomy around diet is conditioned on income and means. This goes against America’s commitment to individual liberty and freedom.

“If President-elect Trump and his administration decide to look at the SNAP program, we ask for the opportunity to work with him to make the program stronger and ensures it works for Americans and their families."