Six US states to ban junk food purchases with SNAP benefits by 2026

Six more US states will soon ban the purchase of junk food using SNAP benefits. The new rules form part of the Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. They will take effect from January 2026 in most cases.

The states introducing restrictions are Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. These changes will prevent SNAP recipients from buying items like soda, energy drinks, and candy. Each state will set its own specific limits.

The SNAP program, run by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, supports over 42 million people. In 2024, it cost more than $100 billion, with participants receiving an average of $190.59 per month. States handle applications and eligibility checks. With these additions, 18 states now restrict SNAP purchases of unhealthy foods. Another 22 states have exemptions allowing all food types, while 28 have no restrictions at all. The new rules aim to align SNAP spending with healthier eating habits. They follow earlier policies in 12 states that already limit junk food purchases under the program.

The restrictions will roll out in early 2026 for most participating states. They mark a shift in how SNAP benefits can be used, focusing on nutrition. Over 42 million recipients will see changes in what they can buy with their monthly support.