18 states will limit junk food from SNAP benefits next year
Published: Dec. 14, 2025 at 9:41 AM EST
(Gray News) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved waivers for 18 states that ban the use of SNAP benefits to buy certain sugary foods and drinks.
The USDA has been approving SNAP food-choice waivers since May.
Starting in 2026, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, Florida, West Virginia, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee will prohibit the use of SNAP benefits to buy items like soda, energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts.
The restrictions will impact about 14 million people in those 18 states.
Lists of prohibited items vary by state.
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