Texas, Iowa Seek USDA Waivers to Restrict SNAP Junk Food Purchases

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has requested a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing junk food and sweetened beverages, aiming to ensure taxpayer dollars support healthier food choices and improve the health of low-income Texans. Abbott emphasized that SNAP was intended to increase access to nutritious food, and cited USDA data showing a notable portion of SNAP spending goes toward sugary drinks. Similar legislative efforts are underway in Texas, though critics argue that restrictions limit personal choice and fail to consider access issues in food deserts. Meanwhile, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has also requested a SNAP waiver to restrict purchases of items subject to state sales tax, including candy, soft drinks, and garden seeds, with the goal of encouraging healthier food purchases. The Iowa Hunger Coalition and other advocates have raised concerns about the potential negative impacts on low-income families and the removal of food-growing tools, especially as Iowa pursues its own nutrition programs instead of federal initiatives like Summer EBT. Both states plan to evaluate the impact of these waivers on nutrition and health outcomes if approved, but USDA decisions are still pending.