Sugary drinks and candy now off-limits for millions using SNAP benefits [View all]
Source: Scripps News
Posted 7:09 AM, Mar 10, 2026
Millions of Americans who rely on federal food assistance are facing new restrictions on what they can purchase, as more states roll out bans on sugary drinks and snacks under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
So far, 22 states are implementing bans on items like soda, candy, and energy drinks through waivers submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The latest states approved to move forward are Kansas, Nevada, Ohio, and Wyoming.
The changes have caught some recipients off guard. Kassy Donat, a SNAP recipient in Idaho, forgot about the rule change until she tried to buy a drink during a routine shopping trip. "I scanned the EBT card, and it declined," Donat said. Donat ended up paying with her debit card, but said the restrictions stretched her already tight budget.
Bans on using SNAP benefits for junk food
While SNAP is a federal program, states are given flexibility on whether to restrict certain items, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all approach to how the changes are being rolled out.
Read more: https://www.scrippsnews.com/us-news/sugary-drinks-and-candy-now-off-limits-for-millions-using-snap-benefits
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