Map Shows States With SNAP Benefit Restrictions as More Rules Come In
Summary
Four states—Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina and Virginia—began restricting which products SNAP recipients can buy with benefits on November 1. The rules target items such as candy, soft drinks and energy drinks, and follow a federal court ruling that blocked similar USDA-approved waivers in five other states over notice requirements.Key Facts
- The new restrictions apply in Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina and Virginia.
- Montana restricts high-sugar beverages, energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts; North Dakota restricts soft drinks, energy drinks and candy.
- South Carolina restricts candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and other sweetened beverages; Virginia restricts sweetened beverages.
- The article lists eight states with restrictions already in effect before the November 1 changes: Indiana, Utah, Idaho, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Florida and Arkansas.
- A federal judge ruled on June 22 that the USDA exceeded its authority in approving waivers for Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia, citing failures to meet federal notice requirements.
- The ruling applied to those five states and temporarily delayed the new rules in Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina and Virginia.
- Six states have restrictions scheduled to start in 2027 or later, while Nebraska's planned restrictions are still awaiting USDA approval.
- SNAP serves more than 35 million people nationwide, and states administer the program under USDA oversight.
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