Louisiana waiver to ban buying soda, candy with SNAP benefits approved

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 Jr. celebrated the signing of six SNAP waivers that ban the purchase of food items like sodas and candy using SNAP benefits. Federal officials said the change is set to go into effect in 2026.

Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order in May that directed the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to submit a waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“For years, SNAP has used taxpayer dollars to fund soda and candy—products that fuel America’s diabetes and chronic disease epidemics,” said Kennedy. “These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health. I thank these governors who have stepped up to request waivers, and I encourage others to follow their lead. This is how we Make America Healthy Again.”

States with SNAP waivers approved:

• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Florida
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• West Virginia

Read a statement from Landry below.

“Today, because of the leadership of President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Kennedy, Louisiana’s SNAP program just became much stronger and healthier, benefiting children and families for generations to come. 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!”
Louisana Gov. Jeff Landry

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