By Jamie Martin
In a national move to improve nutrition and health, the USDA has signed new SNAP waivers for six states—West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. The announcement was made during MAHA Monday, part of the Great American Farmers Market 2025.
This expansion is part of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative. The event was attended by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary. Governors Kim Reynolds of Iowa and Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia also joined.
These new waivers redefine what food is eligible for purchase under SNAP. Beginning in 2026, soda, candy, and similar junk foods will no longer be subsidized by taxpayer dollars. The aim is to promote real food and healthier eating habits.
“For years, SNAP has used taxpayer dollars to fund soda and candy—products that fuel America’s diabetes and chronic disease epidemics,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy. “These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health. I thank these governors who have stepped up to request waivers, and I encourage others to follow their lead. This is how we Make America Healthy Again.”
“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. 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,” said Secretary Rollins.
“I hope to see all 50 states join this bold commonsense approach. For too long, the root causes of our chronic disease epidemic has been addressed with lip service only. It’s time for powerful changes to our nation’s SNAP program,” said Commissioner Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “The goal is simple—reduce mass suffering from diabetes, obesity, and other long term medical conditions. I applaud the leadership of Secretaries Rollins and Kennedy, and President Trump in going bold.”
These six states join Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah, who received waivers earlier in the year. With growing support, the USDA hopes more states will adopt these changes and help improve public health nationwide.
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Categories: National