Overview

• The USDA signed waivers for West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas on August 4–5, bringing to 12 the total states restricting junk-food purchases with SNAP starting in 2026.
• Each waiver amends SNAP’s statutory food definition to exclude sugary drinks and candy from eligible benefit purchases.
• HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlighted that 10–17 percent of daily SNAP spending goes to soda and candy and argued taxpayers should not fund these items.
• Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins framed the action as part of President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again initiative and praised state-level innovation in nutrition assistance.
• Opponents warn the limits may stigmatize recipients and pose challenges in food deserts where healthy options are scarce.