New SNAP Rules Limit Junk Food Purchases in Three Additional States

Recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are poised to reshape how beneficiaries utilize their funds. With a growing emphasis on public health, several states are implementing new restrictions aimed at minimizing the purchase of junk food in the coming months.

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Which States Are Enforcing SNAP Junk Food Restrictions Now?

Beginning February 15, Idaho and Oklahoma will implement new regulations, with Louisiana following suit on February 18. This initiative is part of a larger movement already adopted by several states, with additional implementations expected in 2026.

This month, Idaho, Oklahoma, and Louisiana will join Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia in restricting specific SNAP purchases.

While the details of the waivers may vary slightly from state to state, the majority will prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for soda, energy drinks, and candy.

The initiative is linked to the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. “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,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, according to a report by Fox5NY.

“Thank you to the 18 governors who are leading the charge on SNAP reform to restore the health of Americans—especially our kids. Their courageous leadership is exactly what we need to Make America Healthy Again,” stated Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as per Fox5NY.

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How Does SNAP Work?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service oversees SNAP, a program with an expenditure of just over $100 billion in fiscal year 2024. It provided an average monthly benefit of $190.59 to over 42 million recipients.

Federal funds are allocated to states, which oversee applications and determine eligibility according to federal guidelines. Benefits are distributed through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, allowing recipients to purchase groceries, as reported by Fox5NY.

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Which States Will Implement Restrictions in 2026?

Several more states plan to enforce SNAP purchase restrictions in 2026. Here is an overview of the states and their respective implementation schedules, based on a report from Fox5NY:

• Arkansas (7/01/26): Restricts soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, unhealthy drinks, and candy.
• Colorado (4/30/26): Restricts soft drinks.
• Florida (4/20/26): Restricts soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts.
• Hawaii (8/01/26): Restricts soft drinks.
• Idaho (2/15/26): Restricts soda and candy.
• Indiana (1/01/26): Restricts soft drinks and candy.
• Iowa (1/01/26): Restricts all taxable food items as defined by the Iowa Department of Revenue, except food-producing plants and seeds for food-producing plants.
• Louisiana (2/18/26): Restricts soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.
• Missouri (10/01/26): Restricts candy, prepared desserts, and certain unhealthy beverages.
• Nebraska (1/01/26): Restricts soda and energy drinks.
• North Dakota (9/01/26): Restricts soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.
• Oklahoma (2/15/26): Restricts soft drinks and candy.
• South Carolina (8/31/26): Restricts candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages.
• Tennessee (7/31/26): Restricts processed foods and beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and candy.
• Texas (4/01/26): Restricts sweetened drinks and candy.
• Utah (1/01/26): Restricts soft drinks.
• Virginia (4/01/26): Restricts “sweetened beverages.”
• West Virginia (1/01/26): Restricts soda.

Why Are States Making These Changes?

Proponents argue that the aim is to mitigate chronic diseases and enhance public health by limiting the purchase of high-sugar and highly processed items funded by taxpayer money.

With additional states poised to join in 2026, SNAP food purchase restrictions are set to significantly alter how millions of Americans use their benefits each month.

Key Takeaways

• New SNAP restrictions will take effect in Idaho, Oklahoma, and Louisiana this month.
• States are increasingly prohibiting purchases of soda, candy, and energy drinks with SNAP benefits.
• The changes are linked to the broader public health initiative known as Make America Healthy Again.
• Federal oversight comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.
• Additional states will implement restrictions starting in 2026.

FAQ

When do the new SNAP restrictions begin?

Idaho and Oklahoma begin on February 15, while Louisiana starts on February 18. Additional states will introduce restrictions throughout 2026.

What items are commonly restricted?

Most states are banning purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy, and other sweetened beverages using SNAP benefits.

What is the goal of these restrictions?

The primary aim is to address chronic health issues and improve public health outcomes by reducing reliance on high-sugar and highly processed foods.

How do beneficiaries receive their SNAP benefits?

SNAP benefits are issued through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which recipients use to buy groceries.