SNAP food restriction waivers
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
SNAP food restriction waivers allow U.S. states to restrict what can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.[1] These waivers are approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and restrictions and implementation dates vary by state. Restrictions may include items such as soda and candy, depending on the waiver. The policy has been debated by anti-hunger groups, public-health advocates, retailers, and state officials.
In 2025, the Trump administration encouraged governors to request waivers to limit the purchases of soda and processed food using SNAP benefits.[2] Without states requesting waivers, such a restriction would need Congress.[3]
State waivers
As of April 15, 2026, USDA maintains a list of approved waivers, target implementation dates and restricted items for each state.[4]
The following states have received waivers:
- Texas approved 4 August, 2025.[5]
- Oklahoma requested in July 2025[6] and approved 4 August, 2025.[5]
- Louisiana announced in May 2025[7] and approved 4 August, 2025.[5]
- Colorado announced in May 2025[8] and approved 4 August, 2025.[5]
- Florida approved 4 August, 2025.[5]
- West Virginia approved 4 August, 2025.[5]
- Arkansas requested in April 2025[9] and approved in June 2025.[10]
- Idaho approved in June 2025.[11]
- Indiana approved in May 2025.[12]
- Iowa approved in May 2025.[13]
- Nebraska approved in May 2025, first to receive a waiver.[14]
- Utah approved in June 2025.[15]
- Missouri requested in September 2025[16] and was later listed by USDA as an approved waiver state.[4]
- Virginia Governor Youngkin said he is "very open" to restrictions[17] and was later listed by USDA as an approved waiver state.[4]
- Hawaii was listed by USDA as an approved waiver state. [4]
- North Dakota was listed by USDA as an approved waiver state.[4]
- South Carolina was listed by USDA as an approved waiver state.[4]
- Tennessee was listed by USDA as an approved waiver state.[4]
- Kansas was listed by USDA as an approved waiver state.[4]
- Ohio was listed by USDA as an approved waiver state.[4]
- Wyoming was listed by USDA as an approved waiver state.[4]
- Nevada was listed by USDA as an approved waiver state.[4]
The following states have yet to receive waivers: