RFK Jr announces new waivers banning soda, candy & other junk food from food stamp eligibility

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced six new SNAP state waivers today as part of the Trump Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. The announcement took place during MAHA Monday on the National Mall, with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey in attendance.

The waivers—granted to West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas—redefine eligible SNAP purchases by eliminating subsidies for junk food starting in 2026.

“For too long, SNAP has funded soda and candy—major drivers of chronic disease,” said Secretary Kennedy. “These waivers return the focus to real food and public health leadership.”

Secretary Rollins emphasized the shift as “commonsense reform” and praised state leaders for taking action. “This is about giving families better options and fixing a system that’s been broken for years.”

Dr. Makary added, “We’re finally addressing the root causes of obesity and diabetes with real policy, not just words. I applaud this bold step forward.”

These six states join Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah, which adopted similar reforms earlier this year.