Straight Arrow News, August 2025
Twelve U.S. states have officially adopted waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restrict what kinds of food can be purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. On Monday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins approved new waivers for Florida, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Colorado.
“SNAP is a Supplemental Nutrition Program meant to provide health food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food that’s essential to health and well-being,” Rollins said. “That is the stated purpose of the SNAP program.”
The new waivers go into effect in 2026 and prevent the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing unhealthy foods such as soda and candy. Rollins said 20% of all SNAP dollars are spent on sugary drinks, pre-packaged desserts, salty snacks and sugary treats. She said the Trump administration asked state leaders to get involved and develop creative solutions to address America’s growing health problems. “One way is by not allowing taxpayer-funded benefits to be used to purchase unhealthy items like soda, candy and other junk food,” Rollins said. “The number one purchase by SNAP recipients is sugary drinks.”
