USDA Releases Clarifications onSNAP Food Restriction Waivers and Retailer Compliance

From CDA Newsletter -

New bans on using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing certain processed foods, such as soda and candy, have taken effect in some states. On Dec. 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released guidance on how to comply with the waivers.

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved 18 state agency requests to implement a SNAP Food Restriction Waiver and is poised to approve more in the future. These state agencies will prohibit purchasing foods such as candy and sugar-sweetened beverages with SNAP benefits. Several state agencies implemented waivers beginning Jan. 1, 2026, with others following in spring and summer 2026.

The USDA provides a 90-day grace period for existing SNAP-authorized retailers after a state waiver goes live. A tiered enforcement framework then starts after the 90 days, which entails warning letters and can escalate to removal from the program. Read more here.