SNAP & Nutrition Policy

USDA approved new waivers Wednesday for Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for items like soda, energy drinks, certain juices, prepared desserts and candy, with most rules taking effect Jan. 1. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins framed the move as part of the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, and HHS official Mehmet Oz said states adopting bans will receive extra funds, bringing the total number of participating states to 18.