What is the story about?
Six additional states now have federal approval to restrict what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits can buy. Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota,
South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee received permission to change the definition of “food for purchase” under SNAP starting in 2026. These latest approvals bring the list to 18 states under the Make America Healthy Again initiative. The waivers let states block SNAP purchases of certain processed foods and sugary drinks.
What Federal Officials Said
US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said the program is shifting back to its core goal. “President Trump has made it clear, we are restoring SNAP to its true purpose, nutrition. Under the MAHA initiative, we are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long,” Rollins said.
Rollins added that governors are offering ideas designed to protect taxpayers and support healthier families. “With these new waivers, we are empowering states to lead, protecting children from the dangers of highly processed foods and moving one step closer to the President’s promise to Make America Healthy Again,” she said.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr praised the states involved. He thanked the governors “who are leading the charge on SNAP reform to restore the health of Americans, especially kids.”
Kennedy said taxpayers should not fund programs that contribute to illness and then pay again for medical treatment.
Which States Were Approved Earlier?
Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, Florida and West Virginia received approval in August for restrictions beginning in 2026. Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska and Utah were granted waivers earlier in the year.
The USDA describes SNAP as a program that helps low-income working families, seniors and disabled individuals buy food. Eligibility depends on income, household size and similar factors. In 2023, SNAP served more than forty-two million people each month.
What Will The Restrictions Cover?
Most states with waivers plan to block purchases of sodas. At least eight states will also restrict candy. Some states will add rules for energy drinks. Arkansas will stop SNAP purchases of fruit and vegetable drinks with less than half natural juice. The restrictions will begin in 2026.
ABC News medical correspondent Dr Darien Sutton said there is no evidence that removing soda access through SNAP reduces chronic disease. Sutton noted that sugar remains a concern. Guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend no more than 35 grams of sugar per day for men and no more than 25 grams for women.
