As the leader of a community health center in the Milwaukee area, I spend my days thinking about what helps families stay healthy, and what makes it harder. We often talk about health in terms of doctors’ visits and medications, but the reality is that many of our patients’ outcomes are shaped by what happens well before they enter an exam room.
Reliable access to food is one of the most important factors, and FoodShare is a key part of that safety net for many eligible Wisconsin residents. While concerns about nutrition and program integrity are valid and important, we hope to offer insight from our community health perspective on how to balance those goals with maintaining reliable food access in neighborhoods already facing challenges.
That’s why it is important to look closely at the real‑world operational effects of a bill working its way through the state Capitol (AB 180). The bill would require Wisconsin to seek a federal waiver to restrict certain FoodShare purchases based on statutory definitions of products like “soft drinks,” “candy” and “energy drinks,” but practically, this raises concerns about food access and may even expand growing food deserts in our area.
However, implementation does not happen on paper; it happens at checkout counters in grocery stores, corner stores and small markets across our neighborhoods.
Losing Foodshare has consequences for local stores
Item‑level restrictions require a complex system that identifies thousands of products by UPC code and keeps that list current as products change. In the real world, packaging and ingredients shift frequently, new items are introduced weekly and retailers carry different inventories depending on neighborhood demand. Even with best efforts, errors are inevitable when thousands of items must be continuously coded and updated, especially for small retailers with limited staffing and technology.
The federal enforcement structure adds another layer of risk. Under USDA guidance for waiver states, undercover compliance checks can begin after a brief grace period. A first error can trigger a warning. A second error can result in withdrawal of a retailer’s ability to accept FoodShare benefits.
That “two‑strikes” framework may not distinguish between intentional misuse and a simple database or coding mistake. For small neighborhood retailers, losing FoodShare authorization is not a minor administrative consequence; it can change whether a store can remain a reliable food source for families nearby.
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A joint industry study by FMI (Food Industry Association), National Grocers Association and National Association of Convenience Stores found that SNAP restrictions would cost retailers $1.6 billion in upfront implementation costs plus $759 million annually in ongoing compliance costs.
Food deserts impact Milkwaukee’s health
From a health perspective, the biggest concern is what happens when access is disrupted. If compliance becomes too burdensome or risky, some stores, especially smaller retailers, may decide they cannot continue participating. That would reduce the number of convenient places where eligible residents can use their benefits, forcing families to travel farther, spend more time and money getting groceries,or rely on fewer options. At a time when Milwaukee is facing a growing number of food deserts, this could have unintended consequences for food access in underserved areas.
There are also practical concerns about inconsistency. Definitions that restrict certain beverages while leaving other high‑sugar products eligible can create confusion for consumers and retailers alike. When rules are difficult to explain at a checkout counter, the result is frustration, delays, and disputes that benefit neither families nor retailers. At the same time, definitions that are overly broad, such as defining energy drinks based on caffeine, could include coffee-based or similar beverages and make compliance even harder.