Two More States Look To Ban Junk Food From SNAP Benefits
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South Carolina and Tennessee are looking to join a throng of states that have placed restrictions on what can be bought using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Why It Matters
Since the Trump administration began in January, 12 U.S. states have previously moved to ban unhealthy foods and drinks from being bought using SNAP benefits. Such rule changes, known as waivers, need to be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the program.
Supporters of restricting SNAP purchases argue that removing unhealthy foods from the program will lead to better health outcomes, and the push to limit what can be bought has been spearheaded by the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. However, critics contend it dictates how low-income Americans eat and ignores broader issues around access to affordable, nutritious food.
If the waiver requests are approved in Tennessee and South Carolina, it could impact nearly 1.3 million SNAP recipients across both states.
Stock image/file photo: A person carrying a basket of groceries in a store.
Stock image/file photo: A person carrying a basket of groceries in a store.
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Tennessee
On August 8, Governor Bill Lee announced he would seek a waiver from the USDA to eliminate sugary foods and drinks from being bought using SNAP benefits.
The waiver would exclude items listing sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or a similar caloric alternative as the primary (first) ingredient, as well as carbonated sweetened beverages in which carbonated water and sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or a similar caloric alternative are the first two ingredients.
"Tennessee is leading the nation in creating innovative solutions to enhance quality of life, and I'm proud to continue our legacy of responsible fiscal stewardship while also delivering nutritious food choices for hard-working families," he said in a press release. "I'm grateful to the Trump Administration for its leadership to Make America Healthy Again, and thank our grocery retailers, convenience stores, food producers, and beverage manufacturers for working to ensure that healthier choices reach every community across our state."
However, Lee also plans to expand benefit rules in other areas. Plans include allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot prepared chicken, "including rotisserie and non-fried, non-breaded items like grilled chicken tenders – offering convenient, healthy meal solutions."
South Carolina
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is also looking to limit SNAP purchases, although it is currently unclear exactly what foods will be limited.
"America is getting healthy, and South Carolina will do her part," McMaster posted on X, on August 6. "In the next few days, I will issue an executive order directing the Department of Social Services to place common-sense limits on purchases made using SNAP benefits, formerly known as "food stamps."
America is getting healthy, and South Carolina will do her part. In the next few days, I will issue an executive order directing the Department of Social Services to place common-sense limits on purchases made using SNAP benefits, formerly known as 'food stamps.' — Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) August 6, 2025
Like Tennessee, this will need to be done via a waiver request to the USDA. Newsweek has contacted McMaster's office via email for an update.
SNAP Restrictions Across The U.S.
So far this year, 12 states have had waivers approved that limit what SNAP users can buy. These are Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.
Beginning in 2026, these new waivers - each with their own rules - will prohibit certain foods from being purchased with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which are reloaded monthly for use at participating grocery stores nationwide.
Their decisions have been welcomed by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.
"It is incredible to see so many states take action at this critical moment in our nation's history and do something to begin to address chronic health problems," Rollins said in a press release issued on August 4. "President Trump has changed the status quo, and the entire cabinet is taking action to Make America Healthy Again. At USDA, we play a key role in supporting Americans who fall on hard times, and that commitment does not change. Rather, these state waivers promote healthier options for families in need,"
What Happens Next
Each of the currently approved waivers will go into effect at various points in 2026, meaning there will be no immediate changes for SNAP beneficiaries across the impacted states for now.
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