In a significant move to promote healthier eating habits, 12 U.S. states have successfully obtained waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restrict the purchase of candy, soda, and other unhealthy foods through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Set to take effect in 2026, this policy shift marks a notable change in how SNAP benefits can be used, aiming to address concerns about nutrition and public health.
The states leading this initiative are Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia. These waivers allow these states to prohibit SNAP recipients from using their benefits to purchase items deemed nutritionally poor, such as sugary beverages, candy, and certain processed snacks. The USDA’s approval of these waivers reflects growing support for aligning SNAP with dietary guidelines that prioritize healthier food choices.
Proponents of the restrictions argue that excluding junk food from SNAP purchases can help combat obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related health issues, particularly in low-income communities. “This is a step toward ensuring that federal nutrition programs support healthier lifestyles,” said a spokesperson from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Critics, however, express concerns about limiting consumer choice and the potential stigma for SNAP recipients, arguing that education and incentives for healthy eating might be more effective than bans.
Several other states, including Arizona, Michigan, Montana, and Tennessee, are exploring similar restrictions but have not yet secured USDA approval. The waivers are part of a broader national conversation about balancing nutritional goals with accessibility and autonomy in food assistance programs.
As the 2026 implementation date approaches, these 12 states will pilot this approach, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow. The impact of these restrictions on SNAP participants’ dietary habits and overall health will likely be closely studied, shaping future policies in the nation’s largest food assistance program.
SOURCES:
Six More States Ban Junk Food From SNAP Benefits – Newsweek
12 states to restrict SNAP purchases through USDA waivers
‘Mountain Dew Mouth’ Is Destroying Appalachia’s Teeth, Critics Say : The Salt : NPR
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