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FLORIDA - Florida will restrict junk food purchases with SNAP benefits in 2026, following a nationwide initiative to promote healthier eating.
Starting in 2026, Florida will join five other states in restricting the purchase of junk food through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Starting January 1st, Florida residents using SNAP will no longer be able to purchase sugary beverages, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts with their benefits.
This move is part of a larger initiative aimed at promoting healthier eating and reducing diet-related health issues.
Governor Ron DeSantis supported the changes, saying, "In Florida, we are ensuring SNAP supports nutritious options that help families thrive, not unhealthy products that lead to long-term health problems."
The policy is part of a broader effort to address rising health concerns related to poor eating habits, with other states, including West Virginia, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, also enacting similar bans.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently approved the waivers necessary for Florida and the other states to implement the restrictions.
Currently, SNAP recipients are already prohibited from using benefits to purchase alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, and personal care products.
While the new policy aims to improve nutrition, it has sparked debate on whether it will effectively promote long-term health changes and whether it will disproportionately affect low-income communities.
The restrictions are expected to reshape food purchasing habits, but questions remain about their overall impact on public health.