The Trump administration has extended its policy restricting the use of SNAP benefits for soda, candy, and other processed “junk foods” to six additional states, bringing the total number to twelve. This shift affects roughly 8.5 million individuals from low- and no-income households across these states. Nationwide, over 40 million people rely on SNAP benefits, also known as “food stamps,” as of 2024.
On Monday, August 4, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, alongside Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., approved six new state waivers to further President Trump’s initiative to “Make America Healthy Again.”
According to the USDA, “The signed waivers will amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) in West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, each commencing in 2026.” These latest waivers follow similar approvals for Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah signed earlier between May and June.
Secretary Rollins commented on the development:
“It is incredible to see so many states take action at this critical moment in our nation’s history and do something to begin to address chronic health problems. President Trump has changed the status quo, and the entire cabinet is taking action to ‘Make America Healthy Again.’ At USDA, we play a key role in supporting Americans who fall on hard times, and that commitment does not change. Rather, these state waivers promote healthier options for families in need.”
The USDA emphasized that under President Trump’s direction, Secretary Rollins has been tasked with ensuring federal programs encourage healthier eating habits while safeguarding taxpayer funds.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. added:
“For years, SNAP has used taxpayer dollars to fund soda and candy—products that fuel America’s diabetes and chronic disease epidemics. These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health. I thank the governors who have stepped up to request waivers, and I encourage others to follow their lead. This is how we ‘Make America Healthy Again.’”
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., also weighed in:
“I hope to see all 50 states join this bold commonsense approach. For too long, the root causes of our chronic disease epidemic have been addressed with lip service only. It’s time for powerful changes to our nation’s SNAP program. The goal is simple—reduce mass suffering from diabetes, obesity, and other long-term medical conditions. I applaud the leadership of Secretaries Rollins and Kennedy, and President Trump in going bold.”
