Louisiana Bans SNAP Purchases of Soda, Candy, and Energy Drinks

New restrictions align with 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Louisiana has enacted new rules that prohibit residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from using their food stamps to purchase soda, candy, and energy drinks. The restrictions, which took effect on Ash Wednesday, are part of the state's efforts to improve public health and reduce Medicaid costs under the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative led by Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.

Why it matters

The new SNAP restrictions in Louisiana are part of a broader push to improve the overall health of the state's population. By limiting access to sugary and unhealthy beverages and snacks for low-income residents, the state aims to address chronic health issues and potentially reduce long-term Medicaid expenditures. However, the policy has raised concerns about access to affordable food options for SNAP recipients.

The details

The SNAP restrictions in Louisiana prohibit the use of food stamps to purchase soda, candy, and energy drinks. The new rules were originally scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, but the state received permission from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to delay the implementation until the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Approximately 850,000 Louisiana residents, or 20% of the state's population, receive SNAP benefits, with the largest number of recipients in East Baton Rouge, Orleans, Jefferson, Caddo, Lafayette, and Ouachita parishes.

  • The SNAP restrictions in Louisiana took effect on Ash Wednesday (February 26, 2026).
  • The original implementation date for the restrictions was January 1, 2026, but the state received a delay from the USDA.

The players

Jeff Landry

The governor of Louisiana who has embraced the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative and issued an executive order in May 2025 to restrict SNAP options, which was later approved by the USDA.

Robert F. Kennedy

The U.S. Health Secretary who is leading the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, which Louisiana has aligned its SNAP restrictions with.

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What they’re saying

“This is about getting Louisiana healthy again, which is in coordination with the president's effort to Make America Healthy Again. Snickers is not for lunch.”

— Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana (Podcast)

“I'm committed to working alongside President Trump and Secretary Kennedy to bring the Make America Healthy Again movement to every corner of our state.”

— Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana (Social media)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The new SNAP restrictions in Louisiana reflect a broader push to improve public health and reduce long-term healthcare costs, but the policy has raised concerns about access to affordable food options for low-income residents in the state.