ORLANDO, Fla. — At the request of several states across the country that filed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food restriction waivers, the government is implementing one change set to impact millions, whether they like it or not.
SNAP will now ban certain items from eligibility for purchase with benefits. It’s a costly change, according to the Associated Press — one that could initially cost grocery retailers in the United States $1.6 billion, and then $759 million annually if it continues.
What You Need To Know
As of Jan. 1, five states implemented changes to what can be purchased with SNAP
Items like soft drinks, candy, prepared/processed desserts and energy drinks are now banned from being purchased with SNAP benefits in five states and will be banned in other states later in the year
The five states already implementing the changes are Iowa, Indiana, Utah, Nebraska and West Virginia. Florida will begin the ban on April 20, 2026
According to the USDA, the initiative is an effort to tackle obesity and “Make America Healthy again”
Effective Jan. 1, five states began restricting SNAP recipients from purchasing items like soft drinks, energy drinks, candy and certain prepared foods.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, West Virginia and Utah are leading the way on the effort, but 18 additional states — including Florida — have also made the request to change their state SNAP agency’s restrictions. Florida is among more than 12 states that will see those changes implemented later this year.
The changes are part of the government’s efforts to tackle the obesity epidemic and push to “Make America Healthy Again.” The SNAP food restrictions waiver allows state SNAP agencies a two-year period to experiment with changes that also could improve the efficiency of the program.
According to the Healthy SNAP Florida website, the changes will be implemented in the state on April 20, and will promote healthy food options for families by prohibiting the purchase of products that are considered bad for consumers.
The National Retail Federation, according to AP, predicts the change initially will result in longer lines at grocery stores as people adjust to what they can and cannot buy.
It could also result in consequences for retailers if they do not comply. The USDA stated there will be a 90-day grace period at first, followed by a warning for the first offense. After that, retailers could lose their authorization to accept SNAP benefits and would have to reapply and undergo an administrative review.
The changes apply to in-store purchases and grocery delivery services.