Retailers are figuring out how to navigate new policies tightening participation in the food assistance program and some ...

MAHA Trump admin approves waivers for 3 states to ban soda, other junk food from public food programs Trump administration's nutrition reform gains momentum as more states seek SNAP waivers ...

These changes mark the most substantial SNAP cuts in the program's history and affect both federal funding and eligibility rules.

The waiver for Idaho prohibits soda and candy purchases via SNAP and goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Utah’s waiver excludes soft drinks from SNAP and also becomes effective at the start of 2026.

Nebraska’s waiver will effectively prohibit the purchases of soda and energy drinks with SNAP benefits. Iowa’s will ban nearly all “taxable” food items, as defined by Iowa law.

Five additional states have now received SNAP waiver approvals, including Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, and Utah. Idaho and Indiana restrict the purchase of both soft drinks and candy, while ...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved three state waiver requests to amend the statutory definition of food eligible for purchase under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ...

Arkansas’ SNAP waiver, the most restrictive, excludes candy, soda, low- and no-calorie soda, fruit and vegetable drinks containing less than 50% real juice, and other drinks considered unhealthy.

Various states currently have SNAP waivers in place for a variety of reasons, and they were widely implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance access to food benefits.

The nonprofit released an analysis Thursday that examines the impact of SNAP cuts included in the 'Big Beautiful Bill.' ...

Not all waivers were seeking the same restrictions, however. Nebraska’s waiver will effectively prohibit the purchases of soda and energy drinks with SNAP benefits.