Washington – USA
In a significant move to reform the nation’s food assistance programs, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have signed new waivers for six states, which will remove unhealthy food items like soda and candy from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The waivers, granted to West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, will allow these states to amend the statutory definition of “food” for SNAP purchases. This action is the latest step in the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which seeks to improve public health by promoting healthier eating habits among Americans who rely on food assistance.
Secretary Kennedy, during a press event, stated that for too long, SNAP has used taxpayer dollars to fund products that contribute to the chronic disease and obesity epidemics in the United States. “These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health,” he said.
The waivers, which will be implemented in the six states starting in 2026, will restrict the purchase of a variety of items, including soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy. Prior to this, SNAP recipients could generally purchase anything except alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, and personal care products.
The waivers have been met with support from the respective state governors, who argue the changes will improve the health of their residents. However, the policy has also faced criticism, with some organizations expressing concerns that it could limit the choices of low-income families and make it more difficult for them to purchase affordable food items.
This is not the first time the administration has approved such waivers. Secretary Rollins previously signed similar waivers for six other states—Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah—earlier in the year, signaling a broad push to change the scope of the SNAP program nationwide.
