Starting in 2026, 8.5M SNAP users in six states will be barred from buying junk food under a USDA health initiative.

The SNAP waivers essentially redefine what types of products can be bought with government assistance. The specifics of the waivers vary by state: for example, soft drinks, energy drinks and candy are not eligible for SNAP purchases in Louisiana, while in West Virginia, soft drinks are the only item that is not allowed under the assistance program.

The new waivers will go into effect next year and impact residents in Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia. Rollins has already approved waivers for Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana,