US EditionNew Florida SNAP rules take effect. Here’s what you can no longer buy
- On Monday, April 20, 2026, Florida implemented new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program restrictions banning soda, energy drinks, candy, and processed desserts, affecting roughly 3 million residents.
- Florida joins 22 states receiving federal waivers to align SNAP with its original purpose as part of the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative led by Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., aiming to reverse diet-related chronic diseases.
- While junk food is prohibited, regulations allow sports drinks and juices containing more than 50% fruit; Palm Beach County leads with over 65,000 households on SNAP, followed by St. Lucie County with nearly 18,000.
- Critics, including Hunger Free America CEO Joel Berg, argue the measure amounts to "micromanaging" poverty and fails to address high food costs; public health expert Yolanda Hardy at Palm Beach Atlantic University emphasized the need for education on nutritious access.
- The pilot program will remain in effect through April 19, 2028, with state officials required to track and report outcomes that could shape SNAP policy in Florida and beyond.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Florida bans soda, candy, energy drinks, some desserts from SNAP purchases under new federal pilot program
Shoppers in Florida who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are now under new guidelines that took effect Monday.Outlined in an approval letter from the USDA, it was announced last year that Florida would be allowed to limit what consumers can buy under a new federal pilot program.The USDA said it is an effort to improve access to nutritious foods and support the health of low-income families.Effective Monday, the follo…
As of April 20, beneficiaries of the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can no longer buy some items with their benefits.The goal of this measure is to provide a more nutritious diet to low-income families.What can't be purchased in Florida with the benefits of SNAP According to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), SNAP retailers in the State of the Sun cannot accept the benefits of the program for the purchase of processed produ…
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