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Numerous Republican-led states are working to ban candy and soda as eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, with new rules expected in some states as early as January 2026.

This week, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins signed requests from Indiana and Iowa to limit the buying of unhealthy foods using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

It follows her signature on another waiver from Nebraska last week banning soda and energy drinks—the first of its kind.

"States have always been the greatest laboratories of democracy, and I am confident the best ideas will come from them," Rollins said in a statement sent to Newsweek. "Whether demonstration pilots on allowable purchases, or newfound ways to connect work-capable adults to jobs, or even new ways to get food to communities, I will continue to encourage states to be bold and enact change."

A waiver grants flexibility by modifying specific USDA program rules, enabling states to administer the SNAP program in different ways. Various states currently have SNAP waivers in place, and they were widely implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to help Americans get better access to food benefits.

Why It Matters

SNAP benefits, also known as "food stamps," are paid to low- and no-income households across the U.S. that would otherwise struggle to afford groceries. Across the U.S., more than 40 million people receive SNAP benefits.

If all states that are currently considering such bans succeed, it will impact some 7.1 million recipients.

What To Know

As it stands, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska have had waiver requests approved. The target implementation date for all is January 1, 2026.

Three other states have submitted their requests to the USDA: Arkansas, Texas, West Virginia, which are yet to be approved or declined.

On April 15 in Idaho, Governor Brad Little signed a bill passed through the state Legislature that approved the banning of soda and candy from food assistance benefits. The waiver has not yet been submitted to the USDA.

Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Louisiana and Tennessee are considering bills from lawmakers on the matter.

What People Are Saying

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins formally requesting a waiver: "Under the Trump administration, for the first time since the program was authorized, states can take steps to eliminate the opportunity to buy junk food with SNAP benefits and assure that taxpayer dollars are used only to purchase healthy, nutritious food. We appreciate your efforts to allow states to implement innovative changes to support our citizens to lead healthy and productive lives."

Kavelle Christie, a health policy and advocacy expert, told Newsweek: "These proposals may seem appealing at first—after all, who wouldn't want to promote healthier eating habits? However, examining them closely makes it clear that the intent is power and controlling individuals with low incomes rather than improving nutrition.

"SNAP has long been a political target, often viewed as a means to impose moral judgments on low-income families rather than recognized as the essential safety net it truly is."

What Happens Next

Further waiver approvals are expected as states submit them for consideration by the USDA.