If you are currently someone who receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) in Florida, there are some changes that you might want to be aware of.
The United States Department of Agriculture is allowing states to manage their programs with SNAP Food Restriction Waivers. Starting next year, Florida SNAP recipients and a dozen other states will be facing more restrictions on what they can purchase.
In efforts “to further advance President Trump’s efforts to Make America Healthy Again,” the waivers restrict recipients from purchasing non-nutritious items.
According to Gov. Ron DeSantis, “In Florida, we are ensuring SNAP supports nutritious options that help families thrive, not unhealthy products that lead to long-term health problems. Thank you to President Trump for approving our waiver request.”
The waivers were signed Monday, Aug. 4, by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins.
So, what items will become restricted under the new signed waivers for Florida residents? Here’s all you need to know.
What is SNAP?
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious foods essential to health and well-being.
Who is eligible for SNAP?
To get SNAP benefits, you must apply in the state in which you currently live, and you must meet certain requirements, including resource and income limits, which are described on this page. SNAP income and resource limits are updated annually.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, soda, energy drinks, candy and more will not be eligible for SNAP benefits.
What items will be restricted for Florida SNAP recipients?
Floridians who use SNAP, also known as food stamps, won’t be able to purchase soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts with their benefits.
When will the changes come into effect for Florida SNAP recipients?
The restrictions on what SNAP recipients can purchase start on Jan. 1, 2026.
How much money is currently spent by Florida SNAP recipients on candy and soda?
According to WFLA, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that of the $405 million a day we spend on SNAP, 13% to 17% goes to candy and soda.
“We all believe in free choice. We live in a democracy. People can make their own choice about what they want to buy,” said Kennedy Jr. “U.S. taxpayers should not be paying to feed kids foods, the poorest kids in our country, foods that are going to give them diabetes. And then my agency ends up, through Medicaid and Medicare, paying for those injuries.”
What are the current items restricted for Florida SNAP recipients?
SNAP recipients are already prohibited from purchasing alcohol, tobacco, hot and prepared foods and personal care products.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida to restrict SNAP use for soda and candy. Here’s when
