HHS Secretary Approves State Waivers to Ban Soda from SNAP

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy recently announced that states will be granted waivers allowing them to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases, including bans on sugar-sweetened beverages. While speaking in Martinsburg, W. Va., Secretary Kennedy encouraged other states to adopt similar measures, marking the first time a federal official has signaled approval for such restrictions. This development raises concerns among nutrition and anti-hunger advocates, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in previous administrations has denied similar requests.

It remains unclear whether the federal government has the legal authority to implement these waivers. SNAP falls under the jurisdiction of the USDA and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has agreed to approve the waivers. However, legal challenges may arise regarding the administration’s authority to enact these changes.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics remains committed to strengthening SNAP while supporting individual choice and dignity. While improving dietary quality within SNAP is a shared objective, imposing restrictions without addressing broader systemic barriers is unlikely to achieve meaningful public health improvements and may harm the individuals the program is designed to support. Instead, the Academy supports a comprehensive approach that includes increasing access to affordable, nutritious foods and investing in robust nutrition education initiatives.

The Academy will closely monitor this development and engage with partners to advocate for policies that protect and enhance SNAP's role in food security and public health. The Academy's Policy and Payment Committee will convene to assess next steps in addressing this policy shift.