Louisiana bill proposes SNAP soda ban, part of broader nutrition push

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana lawmakers will soon consider a bill that would ban the purchase of sodas using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Senate Bill 14, authored by Sen. Patrick McMath (R-Covington), would require the state Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to submit a waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The waiver would seek permission for Louisiana to prohibit SNAP recipients from purchasing soft drinks, defined in the bill as beverages containing added sweeteners—including sodas, sports drinks, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Exceptions include drinks with milk, milk substitutes, or more than 50% vegetable or fruit juice.

The bill would also require DCFS to resubmit the waiver request annually if it is initially denied, and to notify the legislature within 30 days of any denial. If approved, restrictions would need to be implemented within six months.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, more than 847,000 Louisiana residents currently receive SNAP benefits. The program provides financial assistance for low-income households to purchase food.

The legislation is part of a broader public health push that also includes restrictions on ultra-processed foods in schools and new labeling requirements for products containing certain additives. It is one of several health-focused proposals pre-filed ahead of Louisiana’s 2025 regular legislative session, which begins April 14.

Landry wants Louisiana to lead national health movement

Gov. Jeff Landry has publicly supported the bill and connected it to a broader national health initiative known as Make America Healthy Again (MAHA). The campaign, organized by a political action committee of the same name, promotes public policies aimed at improving food quality, reducing chronic disease, and limiting exposure to harmful substances.

MAHA was co-founded by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and encourages states to take legislative action on public health issues. In a March 28 post on X, Landry said Louisiana would help lead the movement. Kennedy responded, saying the governor had supported the effort “from when it took pure courage.”

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