By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved new SNAP waivers in Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah, expanding the effort to restrict unhealthy food purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
These changes support the broader “Make America Healthy Again” initiative launched under President Trump’s administration.
Starting in 2026, these states will limit SNAP-eligible items to encourage healthier food choices. Arkansas’ waiver, taking effect on July 1, 2026, excludes soda, candy, low-juice fruit drinks, and similar processed items.
Idaho and Utah will implement their waivers on January 1, 2026. Idaho will eliminate soda and candy, while Utah will remove soft drinks from SNAP-eligible lists.
These states join Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska, where similar waivers have already been signed. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the latest approvals in partnership with governors who support health-first SNAP reforms.
“This approval sends a clear message - President Trump and his administration are tackling America’s chronic disease epidemic and Arkansas stands with him in that fight,” said Governor Sanders.
This move follows Secretary Rollins’ launch of the “Laboratories of Innovation” initiative, calling on governors to develop state-level solutions to promote public health.
The administration argues that taxpayer funds should support nutritious food, not fuel chronic diseases.
The USDA's action reflects a broader push to realign SNAP with its original purpose—supporting nutrition and healthier lives for low-income families. The changes mark a shift toward more responsible and health-conscious food policy across the U.S.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National