On August 4, 2025, top federal officials came together in Washington, D.C. to announce a major change to how food stamps, officially known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), will work in some states. The event took place during a public celebration called MAHA Monday on the National Mall. It was part of the USDA’s “Great American Farmers Market” week and brought attention to new efforts to make America healthier by changing what people can buy with SNAP benefits.
This new move is part of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) program, which aims to support better eating habits for families using government help to buy groceries. Six states signed new agreements with the USDA to block junk food and sugary drinks from being purchased with SNAP benefits starting in 2026. This is one of the biggest changes the program has seen in recent years.
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What This SNAP Rule Change Means
Under the new rules, certain foods like soda, candy, and unhealthy snacks will no longer be allowed to be bought using SNAP cards in these six states:
- West Virginia
- Florida
- Colorado
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
- Texas
These states have received special permission from the federal government to change the list of items allowed under SNAP. This change is meant to help families make better choices and improve their health. The new restrictions will begin in 2026.
Who Announced It and Why
The announcement was made by key leaders:
- HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
- USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins
- FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary
Secretary Kennedy said it was wrong to let taxpayer dollars be spent on unhealthy foods like candy and soda. He said the changes are meant to make sure people are getting real, healthy food through the program.
Secretary Rollins said the USDA is focused on helping people live healthier lives. She added that SNAP should be used to buy foods that support long-term health and fight diseases like diabetes and obesity.
Dr. Makary said junk food is a big reason why many Americans are getting sick, and these changes could help save lives by encouraging better eating habits.
MAHA Monday, The Backdrop for the Announcement
The announcement was made during “MAHA Monday,” which is a part of a week-long event called the Great American Farmers Market on the National Mall. The event celebrates American farmers, food, and healthy living. It is also part of a bigger celebration for America’s upcoming 250th birthday in 2026.
During this event, officials discussed various food-related programs aimed at improving health. The new SNAP rules were one of the major highlights.
Other States That Already Made This Change
Before the six new states joined, six others had already received waivers to block junk food purchases with SNAP:
- Nebraska
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Utah
These states were approved earlier in 2025 and are also planning to roll out the changes in stages starting January 2026. That means 12 states total have now committed to removing unhealthy food options from SNAP.
When Will the Changes Start?
Each of the 12 states will start enforcing the new SNAP rules in 2026, though the exact start dates may vary. Most are expected to begin the new rules by the middle of the year. Here’s a quick look:
| State Group | States Included | Start Year |
|---|---|---|
| First Approvals | Nebraska, Indiana, Iowa | 2026 |
| Second Group | Arkansas, Idaho, Utah | 2026 |
| Newest Additions | West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas | 2026 |
Why the Government Is Making This Change
Government leaders say the change is about protecting health and using tax dollars wisely. Right now, SNAP benefits are often used to buy sugary drinks, candy, and processed snacks. These items can lead to serious health problems like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Heart disease
The new policy aims to guide SNAP users toward healthier food choices, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. The program isn’t being cut; instead, it’s being refocused to support better health.