Across the country, states are proposing new policies that would restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the purchase of sugary foods, such as soda and candy. These efforts to implement SNAP restrictions align with a broader federal initiative launched under President Trump’s Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known as the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission. Established by Executive Order 14212, the MAHA Commission was tasked with addressing the rising crisis of childhood chronic disease by identifying root causes, including poor diet, environmental toxins, chronic stress, and overmedicalization, and developing a government-wide strategy to reverse current health trends. The MAHA Commission’s report (Make Our Children Healthy Again: Assessment) outlines recommendations, including reforming food system policies and limiting access to ultra-processed foods through programs like SNAP.

As the national conversation evolves, several states are already moving forward with legislation or executive actions that mirror the Commission’s focus on dietary reform and nutritional standards.

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Arizona Governor Vetoes SNAP Restrictions on Sugary Foods

Arizona House Bill 2165 sought to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing soda. The bill would have directed the Arizona Department of Economic Security to seek a federal waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to exclude soda—defined as any carbonated beverage with more than one gram of added sugar or any artificial sweetener—from the list of eligible purchases. If USDA denied the waiver, the legislation would require the department to reapply annually.

Although framed as a public health initiative in line with other state efforts to impose SNAP restrictions on foods high in sugar, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed the legislation. In her veto message, Hobbs stated, “This legislation unnecessarily deprives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants of their purchasing power and relegates them to a new underclass of grocery shoppers.” Hobbs called instead for more productive efforts to expand access to fresh, nutritious foods and noted that SNAP remains Arizona’s most effective anti-hunger program.

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Indiana Governor Issues Executive Order Targeting Sugary Purchases with SNAP Benefits

In April 2025, Indiana Governor Mike Braun issued an executive order directing the state to pursue a federal waiver that would prevent SNAP recipients from purchasing candy and soft drinks. Citing research showing higher rates of sugary drink consumption among SNAP users—particularly children—the order aligns with broader efforts to implement SNAP restrictions on sugary foods.

The executive order requires the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to submit a waiver request within 14 days and, if granted, to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks using SNAP benefits. The definitions of these products are based on Indiana’s tax code. The order also directs the agency to propose regulatory updates and any necessary legislation ahead of the 2026 session to support long-term implementation. Additional recommendations on restricting other low-nutrient items are to be informed by the federal Make America Healthy Again Commission.

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Michigan Legislation Proposes Soda Ban in SNAP Program

Michigan Senate Bill 227, introduced by Senators Jonathan Lindsey and Joe Bellino, would require the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to request a federal waiver to exclude soda from SNAP-eligible purchases. A companion bill, House Bill 4305, was introduced in the House of Representatives. Under the legislation, if USDA grants the waiver, the state must prohibit the use of SNAP benefits to purchase soda. If denied, the department would be required to reapply annually.

The bills define “soda” as any nonalcoholic beverage containing natural or artificial sweeteners, with exceptions for drinks that include milk or milk substitutes or contain more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice. The proposals reflect an ongoing trend in states pursuing SNAP restrictions on foods high in sugar as part of broader health-focused policy efforts.

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Oregon Bill Proposes SNAP Pilot Program to Restrict Junk Food

Oregon Senate Bill 1018 would establish a four-year pilot program to limit the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing foods considered to have minimal nutritional value or excessive amounts of sugar, sodium, or fat. Introduced by Senator Hayden, the bill would task the Oregon Department of Human Services with requesting federal approval under 7 U.S.C. 2026 to launch the initiative.

Items targeted in the bill include soda, chewing gum, hard candy, marshmallows, fondant, and cotton candy. Additional restrictions would apply to foods that exceed USDA nutrition guidelines per serving. If enacted, DHS would be required to submit a waiver request within 90 days and report back to the legislature on its status during the 2026 session. The bill includes an emergency clause, making it effective upon passage. SB 1018 is part of a growing number of state proposals that seek to restrict SNAP benefits on sugary foods to address chronic health conditions.

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Wisconsin Lawmakers Propose FoodShare Restrictions on Soda and Candy

Wisconsin Assembly Bill 180 would direct the state’s Department of Health Services to request a waiver from the USDA to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks using FoodShare benefits, Wisconsin’s SNAP-equivalent program. If USDA grants the waiver, the state would implement the restrictions. If not, the bill would require DHS to reapply annually.

The bill would define “candy” and “soft drinks” using the existing state tax code and is part of a national movement toward implementing SNAP restrictions on sugary foods. As of May 29, 2025, the Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Public Benefit Reform recommended passage of the bill by a 4-2 vote, moving it forward in the legislative process.

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