Overview

• The waivers signed this week cover Florida, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Colorado, bringing to 12 the number of states that will bar junk food purchases under SNAP.
• Colorado becomes the first Democratic-led state to join the effort after Gov. Jared Polis cited goals to reduce obesity, diabetes and tooth decay among recipients.
• Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hailed the restrictions as a way to refocus taxpayer dollars on nutritious foods and curb spending on items linked to chronic disease.
• Restrictions will take effect in early 2026 and vary by state, ranging from soda-only bans in Colorado and West Virginia to broader prohibitions on candy, energy drinks and prepared desserts elsewhere.
• Advocates say the measures will improve public health outcomes, while critics warn they could stigmatize beneficiaries, limit personal choice and exacerbate food insecurity where healthy options are scarce.