BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – The Louisiana Department of Health is informing SNAP recipients about new food restrictions slated to take effect on February 18, 2026, coinciding with Ash Wednesday. These regulations will prohibit the purchase of certain sugary items using Electronic Benefits Transfer cards.
The SNAP Food Restriction Waiver introduces these additional guidelines to promote healthier dietary choices and enhance public health outcomes. Under this waiver, SNAP recipients will no longer be allowed to buy soft drinks, energy drinks, candy, gum, and mints using their benefits. However, these items can still be acquired using cash, debit, or other forms of payment.
This change is part of a federally approved demonstration project under Governor Jeff Landry’s Executive Order 25-052, which was enacted in 2025. The new restrictions aim to encourage healthier food selections, assisting in the fight against obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health issues linked to diet.
SNAP beneficiaries will still be able to purchase a variety of items, including fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products like milk and cheese, breads, cereals, grains, and seeds or plants for home gardening.
These restrictions are intended to refocus the SNAP program on nutritious foods and promote healthier lifestyles for families in Louisiana. Recipients living in food deserts, where access to healthy options is limited, are encouraged to utilize programs such as farmers’ markets that accept SNAP benefits.
The Louisiana Department of Health advises SNAP recipients to plan meals using whole foods and nutritious staples. There are also SNAP-eligible incentive programs available, which may offer additional bonuses for purchasing fruits and vegetables.
For further information, please contact LAHelpU@la.gov or call 888-524-3578 (LAHELPU).
Key Takeaways
- New SNAP restrictions begin on February 18, 2026, prohibiting sugary items.
- Prohibited items include soft drinks, energy drinks, candy, gum, and mints.
- SNAP beneficiaries can still buy a range of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
- The initiative supports healthier dietary choices and aims to reduce diet-related health issues.
- Programs like farmers’ markets accepting SNAP benefits are beneficial for those in food deserts.
FAQ
What items are restricted under the new SNAP guidelines?
Soft drinks, energy drinks, candy, gum, and mints cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.
When do these new restrictions take effect?
The restrictions will take effect on February 18, 2026.
Can SNAP recipients still buy healthy foods?
Yes, recipients can purchase fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and more.
What should SNAP recipients do if they live in a food desert?
They are encouraged to visit farmers’ markets that accept SNAP benefits for healthier options.
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