A new legislative proposal called the Healthy SNAP Act is under review, aimed at reforming the types of food that can be purchased using SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
If this bill becomes law, items like soda, candy, ice cream, and ready-to-eat desserts would no longer be eligible for purchase with EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards.
This legislative effort is designed to promote nutritional well-being for the more than 42 million Americans currently receiving food assistance, aligning SNAP with modern dietary and healthcare priorities.
Which States Will Impose Restrictions?
While the act is pending federal approval, six states have already committed to implementing state-level SNAP restrictions by 2026. These states include:
| State | Restrictions Begin |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | 2026 |
| Arkansas | 2026 |
| Missouri | 2026 |
| Tennessee | 2026 |
| Alabama | 2026 |
| Louisiana | 2026 |
In these states, SNAP users will be barred from purchasing foods labeled as junk food, using their EBT cards.
Purpose Behind the Policy Shift
The main goal is to improve public health by minimizing the intake of ultra-processed foods among low-income families and individuals. According to the USDA, the Healthy SNAP Act is intended to better reflect current nutrition science, cultural diets, and medical concerns.
The reform also aims to reduce the burden on the healthcare system by addressing conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which are often linked to poor dietary choices.
Eligible Food Items Under the Updated SNAP Rules
Although certain junk foods will be restricted, SNAP recipients will still be able to purchase a wide range of healthy and essential foods. The following items will remain eligible under the updated guidelines:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and edible plants for home use
Concerns and Reactions from the Public
The proposed changes have sparked mixed responses. Health experts and policy advocates support the initiative as a necessary step to improve long-term nutrition and prevent chronic illnesses.
However, community groups and food justice organizations express concerns that the policy may limit personal choice, create confusion at the point of sale, and disrupt purchasing habits, especially in food deserts where healthy options are already limited.
Upcoming SNAP Payment Schedule Adjustments
Alongside food restrictions, SNAP payment schedules will also undergo changes. The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will be applied starting October 2025, affecting the benefit distribution from 2026 onward.
Each state has its own distribution calendar, and the updates will reflect new payment limits, eligibility adjustments, and benefit calculation formulas.
SNAP in 2026: A Program in Transition
The introduction of the Healthy SNAP Act, combined with state-level enforcement and payment schedule changes, signals a major overhaul of the SNAP program.
The six states pioneering these adjustments may pave the way for nationwide adoption in the near future, transforming how food assistance is delivered and managed across the U.S.
The proposed Healthy SNAP Act and accompanying state-level changes mark a turning point in the U.S. food assistance landscape.
With a strong focus on improving public health, encouraging nutritional awareness, and managing healthcare costs, the upcoming reforms aim to reshape the SNAP program for a healthier future.
However, striking the balance between nutritional guidance and individual freedom of choice remains an ongoing debate as the policy moves forward.
FAQs
What foods will no longer be allowed under the Healthy SNAP Act?
Under the new rules, sodas, candy, ice cream, and pre-packaged desserts will be banned from SNAP purchases in certain states.
When will these changes take effect?
While federal approval is still pending, six states plan to roll out these changes starting in 2026, with COLA payment updates beginning in October 2025.
Will SNAP recipients still be able to buy fresh food?
Yes. Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, cereals, and seeds for home planting will continue to be eligible items under the SNAP program.