Six More States Join Texas in Banning Junk Food Purchases Under SNAP

December 11, 2025 – Six additional states will soon prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using their benefits to buy junk food, joining a growing nationwide effort to restrict purchases of soda, candy, and other nutritionally poor items. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Wednesday that Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee will adopt the new rules beginning in 2026.

They join 12 other states—including Texas, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, and West Virginia—that have already committed to redefining what qualifies as “food for purchase” under SNAP. Most states will implement the restrictions on Jan. 1, 2026, with others phasing them in later in the year.

The policy shift is part of the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, aimed at reducing chronic diseases linked to diet. Rollins said the changes represent “bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long.” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the states’ involvement, calling their participation “courageous leadership.”

While exact rules will differ by state, most will block the purchase of sugary soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy using taxpayer-funded benefits.

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service oversees SNAP, which cost just over $100 billion in fiscal year 2024 and served more than 42 million Americans. The average recipient received $190.59 per month.

Federal officials say the new restrictions are designed to encourage healthier habits, while critics argue they may burden low-income families. More changes to SNAP eligibility and work requirements are expected as the USDA continues its planned overhaul of the program.