Five States Ban ‘Unhealthy Foods’ Purchases with Government Coupons

Starting in 2026, new restrictions will come into effect under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Five U.S. states—Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia—will be the first to ban the purchase of unhealthy foods using government-issued coupons. This change is expected to impact approximately 1.4 million individuals.

Details of the SNAP Restrictions

The newly established guidelines vary by state. Utah and West Virginia will prohibit the use of SNAP funds for sugary sodas. In Iowa, restrictions will cover beverages, candies, and certain prepared foods. Nebraska will ban energy drinks, while Indiana aims to eliminate purchases of sodas, desserts, and snacks.

Background of the SNAP Program

The SNAP program has its roots in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and serves approximately 42 million Americans at a cost of $100 billion annually. Historically, SNAP has allowed participants to purchase “any food or food product for human consumption,” excluding alcohol and tobacco.

This initiative, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, targets the elimination of junk food from Washington’s social assistance framework. Kennedy emphasized the urgent need for change, stating, “We cannot continue a system that forces taxpayers to fund programs that make people sick.”

Health Concerns and Criticisms

Analysis from the Department of Agriculture revealed that SNAP recipients spent over 20% of their benefits on low-nutritional-value foods, high in saturated fat and sugar. Moreover, data from the National Institutes of Health indicates that 44% of SNAP beneficiaries are obese.

Previous attempts to restrict junk food purchases within SNAP faced challenges. Legislators had proposed similar bans in the past, citing concerns over the affordability of healthy foods and the prevalence of cheap unhealthy options. Critics such as Anand Parekh from the University of Michigan have voiced skepticism that these new restrictions will effectively address the root issues of food affordability and accessibility.

Implementation Challenges

• No official list of affected products has been established, creating uncertainty for consumers and supermarkets.
• Industry experts anticipate confusion and delays at checkout lines, with potential for significant pushback from shoppers.
• The anticipated financial burden on retailers is estimated at $1.6 billion over two years, equating to $759 million annually.

The SNAP exemptions will last for two years, with a possibility of extending them for another three. Each state will assess the effects of these changes, but concerns regarding practical execution remain prevalent.