Six States Now Authorized to Ban Sugary Drinks with Food Stamps Under Trump Initiative

The Trump administration has granted federal approval for six additional states—Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee—to prohibit the purchase of sugary drinks and other unhealthy items using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This decision expands the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative by adding to 12 existing jurisdictions, bringing the total to 18 states set to implement new restrictions starting in 2026.

Under federal waivers, these states can rewrite SNAP rules to block specific categories of junk food for up to two years, with potential extensions of three additional years according to the National Grocers Association. Arkansas plans to restrict soda, fruit and vegetable drinks containing less than 50% natural juice, along with candy and other sugary products. Florida is preparing to ban soda, energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. framed the waivers as a necessary correction after years of SNAP funds flowing toward sugar-sweetened beverages. A landmark Department of Agriculture study found soft drinks accounted for approximately 5% of food spending by SNAP households at one major grocery chain—a higher share than non-SNAP households.

Rollins stated in a Wednesday press release that President Trump “has made it clear we are restoring SNAP to its true purpose—nutrition.” Critics warn the restrictions could disproportionately impact low-income families in “food deserts,” communities with limited access to fresh produce where residents often rely on gas stations and corner stores stocked with soda but scarce healthy options. Joelle Johnson of the Center for Science in the Public Interest emphasized there is no quality data demonstrating that restricting candy and soda would improve diet quality or reduce chronic disease, noting, “That data does not exist.”