Summary
Starting in 2026, several U.S. states will limit what people can buy with food assistance benefits like SNAP, focusing on removing unhealthy foods. This move is part of an effort by the Trump administration to promote better nutrition and reduce diet-related diseases. Eighteen states have received approval to make these changes, though the specific restrictions will vary by state.
Key Facts
- SNAP helps over 40 million Americans with food assistance.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees SNAP, but states can use waivers to change how it works.
- Starting in 2026, 18 states will restrict buying certain unhealthy foods with SNAP benefits.
- States like Arkansas, Florida, and Indiana will ban sugary foods and drinks entirely.
- Nebraska, Utah, and Virginia will only ban sugary drinks from being bought with SNAP benefits.
- The Trump administration's initiative, called Make America Healthy Again, aims to combat diet-related diseases.
- Health experts have mixed views on whether these restrictions will effectively improve public health.
- The new rules will not start at the same time in all states, with some implementing changes later in 2026.
