Sugary drinks and candy now off-limits for millions using SNAP benefits
Source: Scripps News
Posted 7:09 AM, Mar 10, 2026
Millions of Americans who rely on federal food assistance are facing new restrictions on what they can purchase, as more states roll out bans on sugary drinks and snacks under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
So far, 22 states are implementing bans on items like soda, candy, and energy drinks through waivers submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The latest states approved to move forward are Kansas, Nevada, Ohio, and Wyoming.
The changes have caught some recipients off guard. Kassy Donat, a SNAP recipient in Idaho, forgot about the rule change until she tried to buy a drink during a routine shopping trip. "I scanned the EBT card, and it declined," Donat said. Donat ended up paying with her debit card, but said the restrictions stretched her already tight budget.
Bans on using SNAP benefits for junk food
While SNAP is a federal program, states are given flexibility on whether to restrict certain items, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all approach to how the changes are being rolled out.
Read more: https://www.scrippsnews.com/us-news/sugary-drinks-and-candy-now-off-limits-for-millions-using-snap-benefits
Kali
(56,805 posts)trade you some "healthy" food for whatever I am not allowed to buy
people are fucking stupid...and clever
mzmolly
(52,773 posts)I'm all for healthier eating but it saddens me to think a child in poverty can't have a snack. This feels like a way to shame the poor.
DJ Synikus Makisimus
(1,404 posts)Beating up those on Public Assistance is a hobby horse of the right, and among certain "liberals," in America; so this is hardly a surprise. Since the legislators aren't likely to do anything about much of anything that sucks, it's fallen to the courts to decide such things. Big corporate interests COULD lead to an overturn in this case, unless it's filed in the 5th Circuit.
bluestarone
(22,026 posts)purr-rat beauty
(1,204 posts)....at a Dollar General in bumblefuck U.S.A.
sinkingfeeling
(57,716 posts)twodogsbarking
(18,414 posts)DBoon
(24,912 posts)Use SNAP to subsidize fresh fruit, vegetables, etc.
msongs
(73,569 posts)NH Ethylene
(31,324 posts)People are free to spend their money on garbage food whenever they want, but there is no reason the taxpayers should have to fund it. Now if they start dictating which foods they can buy (like no steak, for example), I will be opposed.
KT2000
(22,105 posts)on frivolous spending to get rid of the excess in their budget.
Escape
(443 posts)maybe the 79 year old obese president should be forced to drop the diet cokes and hamberders.