Overview
- Florida, which began enforcement Monday, blocks SNAP purchases of soda, many energy drinks, candy and shelf-stable ultra-processed desserts.
- Sports drinks, coffee and tea, sparkling waters, drinks with more than 50% juice, and items like granola bars, toaster pastries and fresh bakery goods remain eligible.
- The state’s federally approved waiver runs through April 19, 2028, and Florida must track results and report on diet and purchasing outcomes.
- Roughly 3 million recipients are affected, and Florida is the 10th state now enforcing restrictions among 22 that have received USDA approval.
- Advocates and researchers warn the policy can stigmatize shoppers and raise IT and compliance costs for small retailers without solving high prices or poor access to healthy food.