A major shift in U.S. nutritional assistance policy is underway. The federal government has approved sweeping changes that will reshape how millions of Americans use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. In a historic move, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted six states permission to ban candy, soda, and other unhealthy items from SNAP purchases—an unprecedented change in the program’s modern history. This decision is part of a broader national effort to connect public benefits with nutritional standards and promote healthier habits among low-income households.
USDA Approves Landmark State Exemptions
The USDA confirmed that Hawaii, Missouri, North Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Virginia are the first states to receive formal approval to redefine what qualifies as “food for purchase” under SNAP. According to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, these states will restrict products that officials say contribute to diabetes, obesity, and chronic health problems. The rollout of these SNAP restrictions will begin gradually next year and is expected to affect roughly 3 million beneficiaries.
This initiative reflects the momentum of the Make America Healthy Again campaign, which pushes for stronger connections between federal welfare programs and nutritional guidelines.
SNAP Benefit Changes: What You Can No Longer Buy
A Policy Rooted in Health and Economics
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has strongly criticized the use of SNAP funds for purchasing what he calls “junk food”—a category that includes sweets, sugar-filled beverages, and ultra-processed snacks.
But the motivations extend beyond health. Dr. Mehmet Oz, director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, emphasized that states adopting these restrictions will be better positioned to secure a share of the $50 billion rural health fund. In essence, states receive financial incentives in exchange for setting stricter SNAP food standards.
Growing List of States Restricting Junk Food on SNAP
South Carolina—one of the newly approved states—justified its request by citing alarming adult and childhood obesity rates. Still, the final decision about which specific foods to ban will be made at the state level, leading to widely varying rules.
Although candy and sugary sodas are universally expected to be restricted, early documents even referenced items like sprinkles and confetti, suggesting highly detailed regulations and a complex patchwork of state-specific bans rather than a single federal standard.
18 States Now Have Approval for SNAP Restrictions
The six new states join twelve previously approved states, bringing the total to 18 states:
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Utah
- West Virginia
This represents a broad geographic and political mix, signaling a strong national trend toward stricter SNAP benefit regulation.
Maximum SNAP Benefits for 2026
Here are the maximum monthly SNAP benefits for 2026, based on federal guidelines from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
Contiguous U.S. & Washington, D.C.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $298 |
| 2 people | $546 |
| 3 people | $785 |
| 4 people | $994 |
| 5 people | $1,183 |
| 6 people | $1,421 |
| 7 people | $1,571 |
| 8 people | $1,789 |
Higher SNAP Benefits in Special Regions
| Region | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $1,285 – $1,995 |
| Hawaii | $1,689 |
| Guam | $1,465 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | $1,278 |
These elevated amounts reflect higher regional living costs, maintaining purchasing power for SNAP households.
Unanswered Questions About the New SNAP Food Restrictions
The USDA exemptions raise several practical concerns. For example:
- Will diet soda be treated differently from full-sugar soda?
- Are energy drinks considered banned items?
- How will states enforce these restrictions at retail checkout systems?
These unresolved issues indicate that states may face substantial administrative challenges as the new SNAP program rules take effect.
Conclusion
The federal approval of state-level bans on unhealthy food purchases marks a significant transformation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. With 18 states now implementing or preparing to implement new restrictions, millions of SNAP users will soon face changes in what they can buy. Supporters see this as a vital step toward reducing chronic disease rates and encouraging smarter nutritional choices, while critics worry about over-regulation and unclear enforcement. As implementation unfolds, the nation will soon witness how these SNAP benefit restrictions reshape nutrition, health outcomes, and the daily lives of low-income families.
FAQs
1. Which states can now ban junk food purchases with SNAP benefits?
A total of 18 states, including Hawaii, Missouri, North Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Virginia, have federal approval to restrict unhealthy purchases.
2. What items are expected to be banned under the new SNAP rules?
States are targeting candy, soda, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed foods, though each state will determine its own detailed list.
3. When will these SNAP restrictions begin?
Implementation will begin next year and roll out in phases depending on each state’s administrative timeline.
