Louisiana Becomes First in the South to Ban Junk Food From SNAP in Bold Trump-Backed Health Move
In a sweeping policy change aimed at tackling chronic disease and promoting healthier lifestyles, Louisiana has become a national leader in SNAP reform after receiving federal approval to ban the use of food stamps for junk food.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., under the direction of President Donald J. Trump, approved the state’s waiver—set to take effect in 2026—which will restrict SNAP benefits from being used on sugary drinks, candy, and other processed snacks.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry praised the move as a transformative step toward better public health and financial responsibility.
“Today, because of the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Kennedy, Louisiana’s SNAP program just became much stronger and healthier, benefiting children and families for generations to come,” said Governor Landry. “Gone are the days of taxpayers subsidizing unhealthy lifestyles and eating habits. With today’s waiver signing, I am proud to say that Louisiana isn’t just participating in the MAHA movement—we are leading it. Thank you, Secretary Rollins, for being a great friend to Louisiana!”
The decision is part of the Trump Administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, which aims to overhaul federal nutrition programs to encourage better dietary habits and reduce taxpayer-funded purchases of products tied to obesity and diabetes.
Louisiana joins five other states—Florida, Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and West Virginia—granted waivers to amend their SNAP programs in favor of healthier food options.
Previously, SNAP recipients could use benefits to purchase nearly any food item except alcohol, tobacco, hot foods, and non-food products. With the new waiver, Louisiana will eliminate soda, candy, and other low-nutrition items from eligibility.
This marks the second wave of states to adopt the MAHA-aligned reforms. Earlier this year, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, Indiana, Idaho, and Utah received similar approvals, signaling a nationwide push to prioritize public health through government programs.
With this latest move, Governor Landry and Louisiana are positioning themselves at the forefront of a historic health-focused reform, signaling a powerful message: when it comes to protecting families and taxpayer dollars, Louisiana is leading by example.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) -- U.S. Secretary Brooke Rollins signed a waiver Monday that ends the purchase of junk food using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Louisiana. The waiver is tied to a national health initiative known as Make America Healthy Again. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy…
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order Thursday to ban the purchase of soft drinks and candy using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits while pushing for state and federal legislation. Landry directs the secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services…
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -- A Pennsylvania lawmaker wants to see changes to the foods available for SNAP recipients. Rep. Alec Ryncavage (R-Luzerne) introduced a co-sponsorship memo Wednesday for a proposed Healthy SNAP Act. If enacted, it would exclude candy and soft drinks from SNAP-eligible items in the Commonwealth. Close Thanks…