12 states to restrict SNAP purchases through USDA waivers

Twelve U.S. states have officially adopted waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restrict what kinds of food can be purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. On Monday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins approved new waivers for Florida, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Colorado.

“SNAP is a Supplemental Nutrition Program meant to provide health food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food that’s essential to health and well-being,” Rollins said. “That is the stated purpose of the SNAP program.”

The new waivers go into effect in 2026 and prevent the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing unhealthy foods such as soda and candy.

Rollins said 20% of all SNAP dollars are spent on sugary drinks, pre-packaged desserts, salty snacks and sugary treats. She said the Trump administration asked state leaders to get involved and develop creative solutions to address America’s growing health problems.

“One way is by not allowing taxpayer-funded benefits to be used to purchase unhealthy items like soda, candy and other junk food,” Rollins said. “The number one purchase by SNAP recipients is sugary drinks.”

States set their own enforcement standards

The 12 states now participating are: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. Each state is responsible for setting and enforcing its own version of the new rules.

In all 12 states, SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their benefits to buy soda or sweetened beverages. Some states, including Florida and Louisiana, have expanded restrictions to include energy drinks and candy.

Other states, like Arkansas, are going further, prohibiting SNAP purchases of fruit and vegetable drinks that contain less than 50% natural juice.

Federal and state leaders support the move

“These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health,” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. “I thank the governors who have stepped up to request waivers, and I encourage others to follow their lead. This is how we make America healthy again.”

“Colorado is one of the healthiest states in the nation and has the lowest obesity rate of any state,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “Sadly, even Colorado’s lowest obesity rate of 24.9% is too high, and obesity endangers and shortens the lives of too many Coloradans. Today’s waiver is a big step towards improving the health of Coloradans, and reducing obesity rates, diabetes, and tooth decay.”

“It’s common sense that taxpayer money shouldn’t pay for foods that make us sicker,” Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a statement. “I’m glad we’re finalizing this waiver for the health and well-being of Oklahomans.”

Skepticism of SNAP restrictions

While the measure has seen bipartisan support, others argue that restrictions on what can be purchased with SNAP funds won’t necessarily make Americans suddenly eat healthier. 

Christopher Bosso, professor of public policy and political science at Northeastern University’s School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, said in an op-ed in The Hill that the restrictions will instead cause low-income Americans to purchase sugary drinks with other funds. 

SNAP restrictions before and after waivers

Prior to these waivers, SNAP recipients were prohibited from using their benefits only on alcohol, tobacco, hot and prepared foods, and personal care items. With the waivers in place, the list of restricted purchases now includes sugary drinks, candy and other processed snacks in certain states.