South Dakota Moves to Ban SNAP Purchases of Sugary Drinks

State seeks federal waiver to restrict use of food assistance benefits on soda and other sweetened beverages

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The South Dakota House of Representatives has approved a proposal that would block the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase sugary soft drinks. The measure directs the state to seek a federal waiver that would allow the change, which would affect the 75,100 South Dakotans - about 8% of the state's population - who rely on SNAP.

Why it matters

If approved, the move would limit what SNAP recipients in South Dakota can buy with their food assistance benefits, a growing trend among some Republican-led states aimed at promoting healthier eating habits among low-income Americans.

The details

House Bill 1056 was approved by a 58-11 vote in the state House. The proposal would require the state Department of Social Services to seek a federal waiver to restrict SNAP purchases of sugary drinks. However, state officials have warned that implementing the change would cost about $500,000 per year to cover new staff and administrative costs.

  • On Wednesday, the South Dakota House of Representatives voted to approve House Bill 1056.
  • In 2025, a wave of 'junk food' waivers was approved by the USDA, allowing some Republican-led states to limit certain SNAP purchases.

The players

Brooke Rollins

The U.S. Agriculture Secretary who has urged states to remove highly sweetened products from SNAP.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary who has also encouraged states to limit SNAP purchases of unhealthy items.

Larry Rhoden

The Republican Governor of South Dakota, whose office has pushed back against the SNAP restriction proposal due to the estimated $500,000 annual cost.

Michael Aziz

An attending physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York who expressed concerns about the feasibility and rationale of restricting SNAP purchases.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“President Trump has made it clear: We are restoring SNAP to its true purpose—nutrition. 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. America's governors are answering that call with courage and innovation, offering solutions that honor the generosity of the taxpayer while helping families live longer, healthier lives.”

— Brooke Rollins, U.S. Agriculture Secretary (Newsweek)

“Obesity has emerged as the nation's most pressing health and nutrition issue. Because of concerns about poor diet, overweight and obesity among low-income Americans, there is considerable interest in using federal nutrition assistance programs to promote healthy choices. The idea of restricting the use of food stamp benefits may be appealing, but upon a closer examination, serious concerns emerge regarding the feasibility and rationale for the proposed restriction. Approval may be granted, but real food also costs more money. Eggs can cost more than cereals and this can lead to this population skipping meals or going hungry.”

— Michael Aziz, Attending Physician, Lenox Hill Hospital (Newsweek)

What’s next

The bill will now be considered in the South Dakota Senate.

The takeaway

This proposal in South Dakota is part of a growing trend among some Republican-led states to limit what can be purchased with SNAP benefits, with the goal of promoting healthier eating habits among low-income Americans. However, critics argue that such restrictions could have unintended consequences, such as making it harder for SNAP recipients to afford nutritious foods.