Six States Ban Junk Food from SNAP Purchases

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Brooke Rollins visits Iowa, Brooke Rollins at the Capitol, Brad Little at a press conference, Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the RNC, Brooke Rollins with Senator Dave McCormick, Brooke Rollins gives a speech, Jodey Arrington with Brooke Rollins

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has approved waivers for Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah to ban junk food purchases with SNAP benefits, bringing the total to six states. The other states include Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska. The move targets health problems tied to poor nutrition. Nearly 42 million Americans use SNAP monthly, spending significantly on sugary drinks and snacks.

Brooke Rollins visits Iowa

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Brooke Rollins visits Iowa, Brooke Rollins at the Capitol, Brad Little at a press conference, Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the RNC, Brooke Rollins with Senator Dave McCormick, Brooke Rollins gives a speech, Jodey Arrington with Brooke Rollins

Waivers allow states to limit SNAP benefits for unhealthy food purchases. About 540,000 people in Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah rely on SNAP, affecting low-income residents. Critics argue that these policies are paternalistic and ignore limited access to healthy food in low-income areas.

Brooke Rollins at the Capitol

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Brooke Rollins visits Iowa, Brooke Rollins at the Capitol, Brad Little at a press conference, Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the RNC, Brooke Rollins with Senator Dave McCormick, Brooke Rollins gives a speech, Jodey Arrington with Brooke Rollins

Rollins said, "One way is disallowing taxpayer-funded benefits to purchase unhealthy items, like soda, candy and other junk food." She added, "The Trump Administration is unified in improving the health of our nation. America’s governors have proudly answered the call to innovate by improving nutrition programs, ensuring better choices while respecting the generosity of the American taxpayer."

Brad Little at a press conference

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Brooke Rollins visits Iowa, Brooke Rollins at the Capitol, Brad Little at a press conference, Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the RNC, Brooke Rollins with Senator Dave McCormick, Brooke Rollins gives a speech, Jodey Arrington with Brooke Rollins

Idaho Gov. Brad Little said, "Idaho proudly welcomes the MAHA movement because it is all about looking for new ways to improve nutrition, increase exercise, and take better care of ourselves and one another, especially our children. We are excited to partner with the Trump administration in bringing common sense to the government's food assistance program with the approval of our SNAP waiver."

Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the RNC

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Brooke Rollins visits Iowa, Brooke Rollins at the Capitol, Brad Little at a press conference, Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the RNC, Brooke Rollins with Senator Dave McCormick, Brooke Rollins gives a speech, Jodey Arrington with Brooke Rollins

Rising obesity rates and Medicaid strain have prompted change. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders noted that 23% of SNAP spending, about $27 billion a year, goes to junk food.

Brooke Rollins with Senator Dave McCormick

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Brooke Rollins visits Iowa, Brooke Rollins at the Capitol, Brad Little at a press conference, Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the RNC, Brooke Rollins with Senator Dave McCormick, Brooke Rollins gives a speech, Jodey Arrington with Brooke Rollins

The new waivers take effect in 2026, with states like Colorado, Kansas, and West Virginia considering similar bans. This initiative has sparked debate over balancing public health and food choice for SNAP users.

Brooke Rollins gives a speech

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Brooke Rollins visits Iowa, Brooke Rollins at the Capitol, Brad Little at a press conference, Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the RNC, Brooke Rollins with Senator Dave McCormick, Brooke Rollins gives a speech, Jodey Arrington with Brooke Rollins

Rollins stated, "Each waiver submitted by the states and signed is yet another step closer to fulfilling President Donald Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again."

Jodey Arrington with Brooke Rollins

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Brooke Rollins visits Iowa, Brooke Rollins at the Capitol, Brad Little at a press conference, Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the RNC, Brooke Rollins with Senator Dave McCormick, Brooke Rollins gives a speech, Jodey Arrington with Brooke Rollins

Rollins added, "States have always been the greatest laboratories of democracy, and I am confident the best ideas will come from them. 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."

John Baker covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.

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