US EditionColorado first blue state to have SNAP waiver approved limiting soda
COLORADO, AUG 5 – Colorado is the first blue state approved to limit sugary drink purchases with SNAP benefits, where 20% of SNAP dollars are spent on unhealthy items, officials said.
- On Monday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins approved waivers for Colorado, making it the first blue state to restrict SNAP purchases of soda and sugary beverages.
- Amid nationwide SNAP reforms, twelve states have adopted USDA waivers, with Rollins previously signing for Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah.
- Under the waivers, soda and sweetened beverage purchases are prohibited, and in all 12 states, SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy sugary drinks.
- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said "Today’s waiver is a big step towards improving the health of Coloradans," as it aims to reduce obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay among Coloradans.
- On March 1, 2026, the restriction starts, and Colorado is awaiting two additional waivers to expand hot prepared foods and farmers market SNAP acceptance.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Polis becomes first Democratic governor to gain USDA approval for SNAP soda restrictions
Colorado’s governor has signed on to a controversial component of President Donald Trump’s dubiously named “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, becoming the country’s first Democratic governor to secure federal approval to ban food assistance recipients from using their benefits to buy soda and other sugary drinks.
Colorado Joins Red States in Healthier Food Program
Colorado became the first blue state to have its federal waiver approved limiting the purchase of soda and sugary beverages under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), The Hill reported. Colorado was one of six states — joining West Virginia, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas — on Tuesday to amend the definition of food that can be covered under SNAP. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins signed the waivers. "Colorado is on…
12 states to restrict SNAP purchases through USDA waivers
Twelve U.S. states have officially adopted waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restrict what kinds of food can be purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. On Monday, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins approved new waivers for Florida, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Colorado. “SNAP is a Supplemental Nutrition Program meant to provide health food benefits to low-income families to s…
Colorado first blue state to have SNAP waiver approved limiting soda
Colorado is the first blue state to have a waiver approved for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that limits the ability to buy soda and other sugary beverages, set to go into effect in March 2026. “Colorado is one of the healthiest states in the nation and has the lowest obesity rate of any…
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