USDA Signs SNAP Waivers Restricting Sugary Drink Purchases in Six States

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signed six state waivers as part of President Trump's 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative, restricting the purchase of sugary drinks and candy with SNAP benefits in Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, and West Virginia starting in 2026. The move, supported by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and several governors, aims to encourage healthier diets and address chronic health issues linked to poor nutrition, particularly obesity among children and adults. Colorado is the first blue state to receive such a waiver, emphasizing the bipartisan nature of the effort. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds highlighted the state's commitment to the program, noting significant obesity rates and the launch of the Healthy Kids Iowa program to support nutritious food distribution. Officials praised the initiative for focusing on the root causes of the nation's health problems rather than just treating symptoms, aiming to reform SNAP by promoting whole, healthy, and nutritious foods. This policy shift reflects a broader effort to improve public health and reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing diet-related diseases.