Starting in 2026, SNAP recipients in six additional states — West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas — will no longer be able to use their benefits to buy junk food like soda and candy. The move follows new USDA-approved waivers, expanding the list of states restricting purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to 12 nationwide.
These policy changes will affect an estimated 8.5 million people and are part of a growing trend to align food assistance with public health goals.
What’s Changing?
Each state will implement its own set of restrictions:
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Texas: Bans soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts
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Louisiana: Bans soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy
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Colorado & West Virginia: Ban soft drinks only
The other states already enforcing similar bans include Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah.
Why the Restrictions?
SNAP — commonly referred to as “food stamps” — helps over 40 million Americans afford groceries each month. But concerns over diet-related illnesses like obesity and diabetes have prompted state leaders to exclude sugary, high-fat, and low-nutrient foods from the list of eligible items.
“This change puts real food back at the center of the program,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., backing the movement as part of his Make America Healthy Again initiative.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott echoed the sentiment, calling the shift a push toward “healthier food habits” for families in need.
⚖️ Critics Say: It’s More Complicated
Not everyone agrees with the policy. Opponents argue that restricting what people can buy doesn’t solve the root problem — limited access to healthy foods.
“Fresh produce and healthy meals are often unattainable… not because people don’t want them, but because they are unavailable or too expensive,” said Kavelle Christie, a health policy expert.
These concerns are especially true in food deserts, where grocery stores are few and far between, and junk food is often the only affordable or accessible option.
When Does It Start?
The bans will roll out throughout 2026, with most states launching restrictions in the first half of the year. Until then, current SNAP rules remain unchanged in these states.
As this trend continues, more states could join the growing list of those seeking to reshape how federal food benefits are used — raising an ongoing debate between health promotion and personal choice.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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