by A major shift in U.S. food policy is underway as the Trump administration approves waivers allowing states to restrict junk food and sugary drink purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that several Republican-led states are joining the initiative, making it a historic first in federal food assistance reform.
What Happened
During a Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) event on Thursday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins revealed that Nebraska, Indiana, and Iowa have received waivers to remove junk food from SNAP eligibility.
Rollins confirmed six more states are expected to follow soon, as part of a national push to improve nutrition among low-income families.
Key Details
- Nebraska became the first state to enforce the ban on junk food and soda using SNAP benefits.
- The Nebraska program begins as a two-year pilot.
- Indiana and Iowa waivers have already been signed.
- Other states like Texas and West Virginia have submitted waiver requests.
According to the MAHA Commission report, 42 million Americans use SNAP monthly, including 1 in 5 children under 17.
Reactions or Statements
Brooke Rollins stated:
“We are on track to sign multiples of SNAP waivers… That has never happened before under Republican or Democrat administrations.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the need for nutritional responsibility:
“SNAP was created to increase access to nutritious food… taxpayer dollars must be used to buy healthy, nutritious food.”
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey also expressed support, linking the effort to his state’s broader public health reforms, including the ban on certain food dyes.
Investigation or What’s Next
The waivers are a first-of-their-kind initiative under any U.S. administration.
More states are expected to receive USDA approval in the coming months. The policy’s success will likely influence federal nutrition standards and the future of SNAP program structure.
The USDA and MAHA Commission will be monitoring health and economic outcomes during Nebraska’s pilot period.
FAQs
Q1: Which states have already received waivers to ban junk food from SNAP?
A: Nebraska, Indiana, and Iowa have approved waivers.
Q2: What types of food are being restricted?
A: Junk food, sugary drinks, and other items with little to no nutritional value.
Q3: How long will Nebraska’s program run?
A: It begins as a two-year pilot program.
Q4: Who oversees the waiver approval process?
A: The U.S. Department of Agriculture, led by Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Q5: Why is this policy being introduced now?
A: To combat chronic disease and align food assistance with health goals, as recommended by the Trump administration’s MAHA Commission.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The Trump administration is ushering in a landmark health policy by enabling states to remove junk food from SNAP benefits.
With Nebraska leading the way and more states expected to join, this reform could reshape how public assistance supports nutrition and public health across America.
