USDA Approves Six More State Waivers to Limit SNAP 'Junk Food' Purchases

Overview

• Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia received federal approval to restrict certain items from being bought with SNAP benefits.
• The waivers allow states to bar specified low-nutrition products, with details varying by state and targeting categories such as sugary drinks, candy and prepared desserts.
• Missouri’s plan would prohibit purchases of candy, prepared desserts, soda, beverage mixes, and some juices or concentrates with 50% or less real fruit or vegetable juice.
• Implementation begins in 2026, with Missouri anticipating an Oct. 1, 2026 start after completing state rule-making and operational preparations.
• USDA and HHS leaders announced the moves, which the administration frames as a nutrition effort, while advocates criticize the approach as stigmatizing and not addressing root causes of food insecurity; the approvals bring the number of states with such restrictions to 18, according to the USDA.