Six more states have agreed to restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for junk food, as part of new agreements with the Trump administration. The move is designed to limit the purchase of sugary drinks, candy, prepared desserts, and other non-nutritious items for SNAP recipients, advancing the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the deals with Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, joining 12 states that had previously adopted similar waiver terms. The waivers, which mostly take effect Jan. 1, allow states to promote healthier food options and, in some cases, receive additional federal funding for participation. Mehmet Oz, overseeing Medicare and Medicaid, noted that states enforcing the restrictions are eligible for extra funds, reflecting growing interest in improving nutritional outcomes. SNAP serves roughly 42 million Americans each month, about 12% of the U.S. population, making the program a significant avenue for public health initiatives.
The waivers are part of broader efforts to ensure taxpayer dollars support nutritious options while addressing chronic health challenges. Implementation varies by state, with specific rules on which foods and beverages are restricted. Earlier this month, the administration also announced a pause in aid for Democratic-led states that do not provide certain identifying information about SNAP recipients, including immigration status, following disruptions caused by the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.