States Restrict SNAP Purchases of Junk Food

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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides monthly grocery benefits to more than 40 million low- and no-income Americans. While the program has long allowed recipients to buy a wide range of foods, a growing number of states are seeking to narrow those choices, particularly when it comes to sugary drinks and candy.

Why it matters

The push to restrict SNAP purchases has been encouraged at the federal level, with the goal of improving public health and reversing the 'chronic diseases epidemic.' However, critics argue that 'cutting SNAP funding and policing people's groceries does not improve the program or respect their dignity.'

The details

Several states, including Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Utah and West Virginia, have already received federal approval to ban certain 'junk foods' from being purchased with SNAP benefits. The scope of the restrictions varies, with some states banning soda, energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts, while others have narrower bans targeting only soft drinks.

• In December 2025, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the 'MAHA' (Make America Healthy Again) initiative to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic.
• The new SNAP restrictions are already in effect in some states, while others are awaiting implementation dates in 2026 or 2027.

What’s next

Several other states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming, are also considering similar SNAP restrictions through the legislative process.