Overview

• USDA has approved waivers for six additional states—West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas—bringing to 12 the total with SNAP bans on soda and candy beginning in 2026
• The new waivers amend SNAP’s statutory definition of “food for purchase” under President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again agenda to redirect benefits toward healthier options
• Colorado becomes the first Democratic-led state with a detailed sugar-threshold rule that allows milk-based drinks and 100% juice but bars beverages with 5 grams or more of sugar per 12 ounces
• HHS Secretary Kennedy cited that roughly 10–17% of SNAP spending goes to sugary drinks and candy and said the policy will curb those subsidies and lower long-term Medicaid and Medicare costs
• Critics warn that restricting purchases could stigmatize recipients and limit personal choice in using nutrition assistance