Summary
Four more states—Kansas, Ohio, Nevada, and Wyoming—have received approval to limit what can be bought with SNAP benefits, focusing on reducing purchases of sugary foods and drinks. These changes affect the federal assistance program aimed at helping low-income Americans buy groceries, with new rules rolling out between 2026 and 2028. SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, help over 40 million people, and now 22 states have similar restrictions on what can be purchased.
Key Facts
- Four states—Kansas, Ohio, Nevada, and Wyoming—can now limit SNAP purchases of sugary products.
- The restrictions will begin in these states from 2026 to 2028.
- Kansas, Ohio, Nevada, and Wyoming will prevent buying certain candies and soft drinks with SNAP.
- SNAP, or food stamps, is a federal aid program for helping low-income people buy food.
- 22 states now have waivers to limit SNAP purchases considered "junk food."
- More than 40 million Americans use SNAP benefits for groceries.
- The USDA, a federal agency, approves any changes to the SNAP program.
- Only a few Democratic-led states have adopted these restrictions, while most are from Republican-led states.
