Dive Brief:
- Four more states received approval for waivers that allow them to amend the statutory definition of eligible food under SNAP, excluding more products from the program, as announced by the USDA on Wednesday.
- The additional states—Kansas, Nevada, Ohio, and Wyoming—bring the total number with SNAP waivers to 22.
- Additionally, the USDA announced that the Stocking Standards final rule changing food stocking requirements for retailers accepting SNAP benefits will be forthcoming.
Dive Insight:
The Trump administration is advancing efforts it claims will help SNAP participants make healthier choices. While SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, hot and prepared foods, personal care products, the new waivers allow states to exclude items like candy, soda, and energy drinks from eligibility.
Nebraska was the first state to receive such a waiver in May, which took effect in January. Since then, nearly two dozen states have followed suit, with exclusions varying from state to state. The newly approved waivers specifically target sugary drinks, and Kansas and Nevada will also restrict candy.
The USDA’s forthcoming stocking standards rule will enforce higher minimum staple food stocking requirements for retailers. Dr. Ben Carson from the USDA stated that the rule aims to provide families with healthier choices wherever they shop.
However, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has raised concerns that the proposed rule does not include nutrition standards—such as limits on sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and refined grains—despite supporting the broader array of required food varieties. CSPI warns the rule might allow retailers to comply by offering an increased selection of unhealthy, ultra-processed foods.
