Multiple States Plan SNAP Purchases Restrictions in 2026

Several states including Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and South Carolina are set to implement new restrictions on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases starting in 2026, following federal approvals under the Trump administration's initiative to promote healthier eating. These restrictions commonly prohibit SNAP recipients from using benefits to buy soda, candy, sweetened drinks, and other non-nutritious foods, aiming to improve public health and reduce diet-related illnesses. Governors such as Ron DeSantis (Florida), Greg Abbott (Texas), and Jeff Landry (Louisiana) have publicly supported these measures as a way to ensure taxpayer dollars encourage nutritious options. However, some groups and officials, like Hunger Free Oklahoma's CEO and Louisiana State Senator Katrina Jackson Andrews, argue that such restrictions could create stigma, burden retailers, and limit choice, advocating instead for alternative approaches like nutrition education and incentives for healthy food. The changes reflect a broader federal push to reform SNAP usage, with ongoing discussions about balancing health goals with recipient autonomy and practical implementation challenges. The new rules are scheduled to take effect in early 2026 across the affected states.