USDA Expands SNAP Restrictions on Non-Nutritious Purchases

Following federal guidance, four additional states have received waivers to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for items like soda and candy. This move marks a continued national shift toward tightening nutritional standards for government food assistance programs.

3 articles, 2 posts·February 16 – March 5, 2026

Key Points

Kansas, Nevada, Ohio, and Wyoming received federal approval for the restrictions.
SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase items like soda and candy in these states.
The USDA and HHS collaborated to finalize these policy changes in 2025.
Newsweek outlets with center and center-left biases have reported on the implementation of these waivers.

3 News·Mon, Feb 16 – Today

News

More states restrict what SNAP recipients can buy with food benefits

USA Today

News

SNAP benefits update as junk food waiver list expanded

Newsweek

News

New SNAP Benefit Rules Come Into Effect Across US States

news_article

2 Social·Wed, Feb 18 – Yesterday

Social

Kansas, Nevada, Ohio and Wyoming are joining the MAHA movement by restricting the purchase of non-nutritious items like soda and candy from SNAP! 🔗 https://t.co/c9FodVrj6h https://t.co/YYFf8GQ1vN

Dept. of Agriculture on x

Social

Eat Real Food.

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