A new phase in the restructuring of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been announced by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). As part of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) project, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the approval of six additional state waivers that will change the definition of “food to buy” starting in 2026.
Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee requested these exclusions, which aim to limit SNAP access to ultra-processed goods while giving priority to more nutritious items.
A Change In National Policy Toward Nutrition
Rollins emphasized that the Trump administration is returning the program to its “original purpose” of providing food to improve public health.
“We are taking bold and historic steps to reverse the epidemic of chronic disease,” stated Secretary Rollins. “With these new exemptions, we are empowering states to protect children from the dangers of highly processed foods.”
Kennedy emphasized that the goal of the change is to keep taxpayers from funding systems that ultimately result in increased health expenses.
“We can’t keep funding programs that make people sick and then pay again to treat those diseases,” he stated.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), pointed out that these measures immediately address President Trump’s demand to “return to a healthy America.”
Governors Reacted
The governors of Missouri responded as follows: Mike Kehoe”Missouri is proud to collaborate with the Trump Administration,” stated Kehoe. “We are refocusing SNAP to maximize the nutritional health of families and support our agricultural production.”
Kelly Armstrong, North Dakota
“We are getting closer to becoming the nation’s healthiest state thanks to this waiver. It directly contributes to improved health outcomes.
Henry McMaster, South Carolina
McMaster commended the measure’s pragmatic approach:
“Promoting nutritious food ensures proper use of taxpayers’ money” .Tennessee Bill Lee
“Families will be strengthened for many generations by these creative ideas. Thank you for approving our SNAP waiver so quickly.
Glenn Youngkin, Virginia
“Modernizing SNAP is key to empowering Virginians toward healthier lives.”
A State-Innovation-Based Approach
Rollins started the Innovation Labs program on his first day of office, which includes the new exclusions. Governors are encouraged to submit ideas to improve federal nutrition systems through this program.
Twelve states are currently taking part in these reforms, including Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah, which had previously received waivers.
Each exception, which will take effect in 2026, outlines particular lists of products that are excluded based on state requests.