The number of total states banning junk purchases from being bought with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits has increased to 12, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The six new states to sign waivers include West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, each commencing in 2026. Secretary Brooke Rollins previously signed waivers for Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah.
Why It Matters
Prior to these waivers, SNAP recipients could buy anything except alcohol, tobacco, hot and prepared foods, and personal care products.
SNAP benefits, also known as “food stamps,” are paid to low-and no-income households across the U.S. that would otherwise struggle to afford groceries. Across the country, more than 40 million people receive the allowance.
The new waivers, while different for each state, mean that starting in 2026 certain types of foods can no longer be bought using electronic benefit transfer cards, which are loaded every month with payments to spend in participating grocery providers across the country.
No other states have approved waivers as of now, though some (e.g., Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Tennessee) have introduced bills or submitted requests that are pending or were vetoed.
What People Are Saying
“It is incredible to see so many states take action at this critical moment in our nation’s history and do something to begin to address chronic health problems. President Trump has changed the status quo, and the entire cabinet is taking action to Make America Healthy Again. At USDA, we play a key role in supporting Americans who fall on hard times, and that commitment does not change. Rather, these state waivers promote healthier options for families in need,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
“In Florida, we are ensuring SNAP supports nutritious options that help families thrive, not unhealthy products that lead to long-term health problems,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. “Thank you to President Trump for approving our waiver request.”
While all of this is being done under the banner of “making America healthy again” and fighting chronic disease, ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton said “there’s no evidence that taking away access to soda will actually fight these conditions.”
He noted however, that “sugar is one of those culprits that you always have to be mindful of” regardless.
“The U.S. dietary guidelines recommend that men have no more than 35 grams and women no more than 25 grams per day,” Sutton said.