BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – A waiver has been approved to restrict the purchases of sodas, energy drinks, and candy using SNAP benefits in Louisiana.
The waiver was signed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins on Monday, August 4. She was joined by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and many governors.
In all, waivers to restrict purchases using SNAP benefits were signed for six states. They are Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Colorado, and West Virginia.
The changes in each state are set to take effect in 2026.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he believes the move will have huge impacts on people in the Bayou State.
“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,” Governor Landry said. “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.”
Before the new waivers were approved, officials said SNAP recipients were allowed to buy everything with their benefits except for alcohol, tobacco, personal care products, and hot and prepared foods.
“It is incredible to see so many states take action at this critical moment in our nation’s history and do something to begin to address chronic health problems,” Secretary Rollins said. “President Trump has changed the status quo, and the entire cabinet is taking action to Make America Healthy Again. At USDA, we play a key role in supporting Americans who fall on hard times, and that commitment does not change. Rather, these state waivers promote healthier options for families in need.”
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