Michigan is not one of the 18 states:

https://www.thekitchn.com/snap-junk-food-bans-2026-23761808

This Map Shows Every State Restricting SNAP Benefits Across the U.S. — And What That Means for Families

By Alexandra Foster - December 17, 2025

 

 

 

 

It wasn’t too long ago that the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) came under fire and was threatened to be halted indefinitely on November 1, with recipients not receiving their benefits amidst a government shutdown. Following an order by a federal judge and the end of the government shutdown, recipients have slowly been receiving their SNAP benefits since then. 

Well, SNAP is back in the news once again following new restrictions to the benefit 41 million Americans rely on. As of December 10, 2025, the USDA has approved waivers issued by 18 states placing restrictions on what can be purchased with SNAP benefits as part of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. The new restrictions will go into effect in 2026. 

While the prohibited items vary by state, generally food labeled as “junk food” — including things like soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts — is what’s being targeted. The states include Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia — and the restrictions will impact roughly 14 million people. 

 

 

 

“President Trump has made it clear: We are restoring SNAP to its true purpose — nutrition,” said Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins. “Under the MAHA initiative, we are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long.” 

Some of the politicians from these states have also released statements on the impending bans. North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong said, “By investing in healthier food purchases with SNAP, we are taking a proactive step toward becoming the healthiest state in the nation.” South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster called it a “light-touch, common-sense approach to strengthen the SNAP program. By encouraging families to purchase healthy, nutritious food — and not junk food — we ensure federal taxpayer dollars are used to their maximum benefit.” 

While it has been shown that ultra-processed foods are linked to negative health outcomes and can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke, what’s missing here is nuance on why and when SNAP recipients buy “junk food.” 

I recall a sobering moment during my time volunteering at a food pantry when one of the customers told me that SNAP was the only way she was able to afford a birthday cake and other snacks for her daughter’s 5th birthday party.

Food is a means of connection, a way of bringing people together in community, and often enjoyed at celebrations. (I mean, what was the last holiday or party you attended that didn’t have food?) With these bans in place, recipients in these states might have to make difficult decisions during times that are meant to alleviate stress and bring joy. 

It also raises the question: Why are SNAP recipients being singled out? We’re in challenging and divisive times economically as it stands, and further placing restrictions on a specific group is only continuing the divide. If the goal is to make America as a whole healthier, addressing one part of the population doesn’t quite seem to be the right solution.