USDA Approves SNAP Waivers for 6 More States

Federal officials have approved waivers for six additional states to restrict purchases of unhealthy items using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, expanding a national effort to promote healthier eating among low-income families. The new approvals for Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee bring the total to 18 states that will limit food stamp use for items such as soda, candy, energy drinks and certain processed foods starting in 2026.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the decision Wednesday at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, joined by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Director Mehmet Oz. The waivers fall under the administration's Make America Healthy Again initiative, aimed at combating chronic diet-related diseases like obesity and diabetes. "Under the MAHA initiative, we are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long," Rollins said.

The restrictions vary by state but generally prohibit SNAP recipients from buying sugary beverages and...