December 4, 2025
States Can Improve Health Outcomes Within SNAP
THROUGH SNAP FOOD RESTRICTION WAIVERS, STATES ARE EMPOWERED TO INCENTIVIZE HEALTHIER CHOICES AND HEALTHIER OUTCOMES
BAckground
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is among the Nation’s largest entitlement programs. Run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and administered by the states, SNAP provides low-income households with benefits to supplement their grocery budgets. In FY 2024, SNAP cost $100 billion annually, served nearly 42 million participants monthly, and averaged $187.20 in monthly benefits per participant.
SNAP’s stated goal is to supplement grocery budgets so that low-income Americans can afford “the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.” However, the list of items eligible for purchase under SNAP includes non-nutrient-dense junk food and beverages. SNAP benefits are therefore consistently spent on candy, sodas, and other foods that, when over-consumed, are known to contribute to chronic health issues. Federal and state dollars are then spent on treating chronic health conditions through public healthcare system expenditures.
STATES TAKING ACTION
In 2025, through both executive action and state legislation, over a dozen state SNAP agencies submitted SNAP Food Restriction Waivers to USDA banning purchases of sugary drinks, “junk food,” or both, with these benefits in their respective states.
In May 2025, Nebraska became the first state to have a SNAP Food Restriction Waiver approved by USDA for soda and energy drink restrictions in SNAP, effective January 1, 2026. Twelve states to date have now obtained USDA-approved SNAP Food Restriction waivers, including: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia. Further, Hawaii, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee have submitted waivers to USDA.
While the language used in these waivers may vary slightly from state to state, they are all submitted to USDA with the shared goal of improving health outcomes within SNAP. Additionally, while most SNAP Restriction Waivers restrict soda and candy, others also restrict purchases of energy drinks and prepared desserts.
COmmon STATE SOLUTIONS
AFPI stands ready to assist states in crafting SNAP food restriction waivers to empower healthier choices and healthier outcomes. Below are commonly adopted policies.
State Executive Orders to Date
- Governor Braun, Indiana - EO 25-55: Making Indiana Healthy Again by Enhancing Nutrition in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Governor Kehoe, Missouri - EO 25-30: SNAP Waiver
- Governor McMaster, South Carolina - EO 25-30: SNAP Waiver
- Governor Stitt, Oklahoma - EO 25-13: Make Oklahoma Healthy Again
- Governor Landry, Louisiana - EO 25-052: Make Louisiana Healthy Again