Overview
- Florida, which began enforcing the waiver Monday, now blocks SNAP purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy and shelf-stable ultra-processed desserts.
- Rules carve out exceptions that keep sports drinks, coffee and tea, sparkling water, drinks with over 50% juice or under 5 grams of added sugar, granola bars, toaster pastries and fresh bakery items eligible.
- The change is part of a USDA-approved Make America Healthy Again initiative, with 22 states holding waivers and Florida reported as the 10th to put limits into effect.
- The pilot runs through April 19, 2028, and USDA can withdraw approval, while the state must submit regular data updates on how the policy affects shoppers and stores.
- The shift affects an estimated 3 million Floridians on SNAP, and advocates warn of stigma for recipients, costly checkout recoding for small retailers and possible higher demand at food banks.