By Aliss Higham
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Six more states have moved to prohibit the purchase of junk food using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The waivers submitted by Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee have all been approved, according to a new statement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Why It Matters
SNAP—often called "food stamps"—provides monthly assistance to more than 40 million low- and no-income Americans who need help affording groceries. Waivers allow states to adjust certain USDA rules and tailor how SNAP is administered.
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What To Know
Under the newly approved waivers, which differ by state, specific categories of food will no longer be eligible for purchase with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards beginning in 2026. The restrictions target junk foods, typically defined as items high in calories—especially those rich in sugar and fat—but low in nutritional value.
The announcement brings the total number of states which have changed rules around unhealthy purchases in the last year to 18. The latest decision follows two rounds of waiver approvals issued this year.
Some states that have had waivers approved will ban the purchase of sugary food and drink items, while others have just banned sugary drinks.
States that have already had junk food waivers approved in 2025 are Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.
What People Are Saying
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said: "President Trump has made it clear: we are restoring SNAP to its true purpose – nutrition. Under the MAHA initiative, we are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long. America’s governors are answering that call with courage and innovation, offering solutions that honor the generosity of the taxpayer while helping families live longer, healthier lives. With these new waivers, we are empowering states to lead, protecting our children from the dangers of highly-processed foods, and moving one step closer to the President’s promise to Make America Healthy Again."
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, a Republican, said: "We are incredibly thankful for Secretary Rollins’ approval of our waiver. Missouri is proud to partner with the Trump Administration on the Make America Healthy Again movement as we refocus SNAP to maximize nutritional health for families while also supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state."
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, said: "I want to thank Secretary Rollins and the entire Trump Administration for their work on our shared goal of modernizing SNAP to promote healthier eating and empower Virginians to lead healthier lives. We all recognize that better nutrition is a critical step to making Virginia the strongest she’s ever been."
Kavelle Christie, health policy expert and CEO at Orion 360 Health, told Newsweek: "Restrictions don’t make people healthier: they reinforce stigma, control, and racialized ideas about poverty. If the goal were truly improving health outcomes, we’d see these same states expanding Medicaid, funding and reopening rural hospitals, and addressing food deserts. Instead, the focus is on controlling what families put in their grocery carts. That is less about health and more about consolidating power and control."
The Food Research & Action Center said in a press release in August 2025: "If we want healthier communities, the Trump administration needs to stop being the food police and start investing in real solutions. That means increasing SNAP benefits, expanding access to affordable food, and scaling up evidence-based programs like fruit and vegetable incentives. We must also address the root causes of hunger: the rising cost of food and housing, lack of affordable health care, low wages, and limited access to grocery stores."
What Happens Next
Changes are expected to be in place next year.
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