Idaho SNAP Ban on Soda, Candy Gets Green Light, Along with ‘MAHA’ Waivers for Utah, Arkansas

Retailers, researchers criticize Indiana plan to exclude soda and candy from SNAP

Hoosiers could be prohibited from purchasing soda and candy with their food benefits as early as January, but researchers and retailers question the effectiveness of the move – noting how difficult such a ban could be to implement.

USDA approves Idaho’s request to remove sugary drinks and candy from SNAP

Data show that about 20% of SNAP dollars nationwide are spent on sugary beverages and snacks.

GOP States Slash SNAP Spending on Candy & Soda

Republican-led states are racing to restrict candy and soda purchases using SNAP benefits, marking a bold shift in welfare policy. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, under Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, has already approved waivers for Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah, with Indiana, Nebraska, and others moving next. Arkansas and Indiana formally sought permission in April, aiming to exclude candy, soda, fruit drinks with under 50% …

Idaho SNAP ban on soda, candy gets green light, along with ‘MAHA’ waivers for Utah, Arkansas

SALT LAKE CITY (Utah News Dispatch) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, along with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., signed three “Make America Health Again” waivers on Tuesday, allowing three more states to enact restrictions to SNAP benefits. The move adds Idaho, Utah and Arkansas to the list of […]

Feds approve Idaho's request to ban candy, soda purchases using SNAP

Starting January 2026, Idaho SNAP recipients will not buy candy or soda with benefits as part of a health initiative backed by state and federal officials.

Idaho wins OK to ban residents from using food stamps to buy soda, candy

It’s official. Come January, Idaho residents on food stamps will no longer be able to use the grocery-purchasing assistance to buy soft drinks or candy.U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signed a waiver that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare submitted in May to remove soda, candy and energy drinks from the list of items eligible for purchase through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food…