Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced on Tuesday that Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah will soon have new restrictions on what can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Starting in 2026, recipients in these states will not be able to use their food stamps to buy soda, sugary drinks, or candy.
SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals, but each state manages its own program. The new waivers will change the definition of eligible food items in these states, allowing them to limit purchases of certain unhealthy foods. This decision aligns with a broader initiative by the Trump administration aimed at improving nutrition among SNAP recipients.
Previously, SNAP recipients could buy almost any food or drink, with a few exceptions like alcohol and hot prepared foods. The aim of these new waivers is to reduce the amount spent on sugary drinks and snacks, which account for a significant portion of SNAP expenditures. Reports suggest that around 23% of food stamp spending goes toward items considered unhealthy, including soft drinks and candy.
In her statement, Rollins emphasized the administration’s commitment to enhancing the health of Americans. She stated that these waivers are part of the effort to fulfill President Trump’s promise to "Make America Healthy Again." The USDA has been encouraging states to think creatively about addressing health challenges, and Rollins highlighted the importance of not allowing taxpayer funds to support the purchase of junk food.
Rollins was joined by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has been vocal about the need for reforms to combat childhood obesity. They previously collaborated on an article discussing the alarming rates of obesity among children in the U.S. and the need for action.
A study from Stanford University suggested that if sugary drinks were banned from SNAP purchases nationwide, it could prevent obesity in 141,000 children and type 2 diabetes in 240,000 adults. Kennedy called on governors across the country to submit similar waivers to eliminate sugary drinks from SNAP, arguing that taxpayer money should not support products that contribute to health problems.
With these changes, Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah join Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana, which received similar waivers earlier this year. As these states prepare for the implementation of these restrictions, the conversation about nutrition and health in America continues to evolve.
