Across several states, new policies tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are beginning to roll out, potentially affecting both how people qualify for benefits and what they can buy at the grocery store.
SNAP has long allowed recipients to purchase most grocery items, with only a few exceptions. But as states begin introducing new policies tied to federal updates and waiver requests, some of those long-standing rules are starting to shift.
From discussions about restricting certain types of foods to adjustments in eligibility and oversight, the next phase of SNAP policy is drawing renewed attention to how the program works and how those decisions could shape grocery shopping for millions of people across the country.
The changes
Recent policy shifts are reshaping how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program operates across the United States, with updates now rolling out at the state level. Some of the changes focus on what foods can be purchased with benefits, while others involve tighter eligibility reviews and participation requirements. At the same time, the USDA has announced partnerships tied to the Make America Healthy Again initiative aimed at encouraging healthier food choices.
States are beginning to adopt different approaches to what foods can be purchased with SNAP benefits. The most commonly discussed restrictions focus on categories of foods that are high in added sugar or have limited nutritional value.
These often include soda and other soft drinks, such as regular soda, carbonated beverages, and, in some cases, energy drinks or fruit drinks with less than 50 percent real juice. Candy products are also frequently included, including chocolate bars, hard candy, gum, and other confectionery treats.
Because many of these changes are handled through state-level waivers, definitions of what counts as “unhealthy” food may vary by local policies. Factors such as sugar content, fat levels, and overall nutritional value could influence how certain items are categorized at the grocery store.
A number of states are currently implementing or preparing for SNAP policy adjustments, including Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Information about SNAP food restriction waivers and state-level policy changes is available on the USDA website, which will have the most up-to-date and accurate information.
While the core purpose of the program, helping low-income households afford groceries, remains the same, the rules surrounding eligibility and allowable purchases are continuing to evolve as both federal and state policymakers adjust how the program operates.
As states roll out their own versions of these policies, the experience of SNAP recipients could vary by state.
Why this matters
In the year 2024, SNAP helped, on average, 41 million people afford groceries each month. When rules around allowable purchases change, the effects can ripple through communities, grocery stores, and family budgets across the country.
For recipients, the updates could influence both how long benefits last and what foods can be purchased with them. At the same time, restrictions on certain food categories could change how families plan their grocery shopping, especially in areas where affordable options are already limited.
The policy changes also highlight a broader national debate about the role of food assistance programs. Some think that limiting purchases of items like sugary drinks and candy could encourage healthier choices and support long-term public health goals. Others raise concerns about whether restricting certain foods imposes additional burdens and food insecurity on people already managing tight food budgets.
The changes may also affect retailers and state agencies. Grocery stores that accept EBT payments may need to adjust how items are categorized at checkout if certain foods become ineligible in specific states. Meanwhile, state governments may face increased administrative responsibilities as they work to meet federal program standards and implement updated reporting requirements.
As states continue rolling out these updates, SNAP recipients and policymakers alike will be watching closely to see how the evolving rules shape one of the nation’s most widely used nutrition programs.
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