Food Programs — News & Analysis

USDA signs six more SNAP junk food waivers alongside RFK Jr. (August 4, 2025)

August 4, 2025 — Agriculture Secretary Rollins, joined by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and several Republican governors, signed food restriction waivers for West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas at a ceremony USDA branded the "Great American Farmers Market," doubling the number of states authorized to ban SNAP purchases of soda, candy, energy drinks, and other items deemed non-nutritious.

The new waivers take effect in 2026, each with slightly different lists of restricted items — Florida's restrictions extend to processed desserts, while most others focus on sweetened beverages and candy. The signings were framed explicitly as a joint MAHA agenda item between the Agriculture and Health departments, with Kennedy calling on every governor to submit a SNAP waiver to eliminate sugary drinks.

Retailer industry groups continued to raise alarms. The National Retail Federation warned of longer checkout lines and compliance costs, while a combined estimate from the National Grocers Association, the Food Industry Association, and the National Association of Convenience Stores put initial industry costs at $1.6 billion and ongoing annual costs at $759 million. Anti-hunger advocates questioned whether banning specific items would improve nutrition outcomes or compound the burdens already being imposed by the One Big Beautiful Bill's eligibility changes.