Three states received federal waivers to prohibit participants in food assistance programs from buying junk food, bringing the total to six states reforming their food stamp programs.

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.

Other states that have requested or are considering SNAP waivers — for soda, candy and/or other items — reportedly include Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

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.

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.

The SNAP waivers granted to Nebraska, Indiana, and Iowa each allow the state to operate a two-year pilot project, effective January 1, 2026, to amend the statutory definition of eligible foods for ...

The House Committee on Agriculture has released proposals for changes to laws on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. The committee put out a 97-page document Tuesday for ...

Numerous U.S. states are either considering SNAP bans on soda or have already submitted waiver requests to the USDA.

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.