Five US States Restrict SNAP Purchases of Candy and Soda

Several states in the US are preparing to prohibit the purchase of candy and soda for those utilizing government assistance. This initiative will take effect on New Year’s Day, impacting beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in West Virginia, Utah, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska. The move is spearheaded by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who argue that taxpayer funding should not support unhealthy food purchases.

State-Specific Restrictions on SNAP Purchases

Currently, SNAP beneficiaries can buy a wide range of grocery items, with exceptions like hot foods, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, and dietary supplements. However, recent developments show that 18 states have filed requests for waivers to limit purchases of additional items. In addition to candy and soda, some states are considering banning prepared desserts, fruit juices, and other unhealthy beverages.

Implementation Schedule

• West Virginia: Bans sodas as of January 1.
• Utah: Begins soda restrictions on January 1.
• Nebraska: Bans sodas and energy drinks starting January 1.
• Indiana: Restricts the purchase of sodas and candy from January 1.
• Iowa: Enforces the strictest rules, including bans on soda, candy, and certain pre-packaged foods.

Further restrictions will be introduced in other states throughout 2026: April for Florida and Texas, August for South Carolina, and October for Missouri.

Impact on SNAP Beneficiaries

Approximately 42 million individuals, accounting for 12% of the US population, receive SNAP benefits. Critics of the new rules argue that these changes could exacerbate existing challenges within the food-assistance program. They claim that the alterations may cause confusion for both retailers and beneficiaries and could lead to further difficulties for those reliant on government support.

Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center, expressed concerns that increased restrictions could harm program participants, especially following the tumultuous government shutdown that delayed benefit distribution.