JACKSON, Miss.—Mississippi families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, could soon face limits on what foods they can buy, including soda and candy.
While the state is considering filing a waiver with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a dozen other states already have already secured approval for restrictions, with changes set to begin in 2026.
The conversation in Mississippi is part of the federal Make America Healthy Again initiative, launched during the Trump administration. Under that strategy, states are being encouraged to restrict junk food and soda from SNAP benefits to improve nutrition and cut long-term health costs.
Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed the idea is “on (his) radar” but said he has not yet reviewed a formal proposal, according to SuperTalk Mississippi Media.
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Currently, families can use SNAP benefits to buy nearly any food sold in grocery stores, including soda, candy, snack cakes and chips.
If Mississippi files a waiver similar to other states, some items would no longer be eligible.
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A map shows the 12 states that have federal approval to restrict soda, candy and other items from SNAP purchases. Mississippi is considering a similar waiver. Graphic courtesy USDA ” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/www.mississippifreepress.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SNAP_Image_Map_cred-USDA.jpg?fit=300%2C223&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/www.mississippifreepress.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SNAP_Image_Map_cred-USDA.jpg?fit=780%2C578&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/www.mississippifreepress.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SNAP_Image_Map_cred-USDA.jpg?resize=780%2C578&ssl=1″ alt=”U.S. map with Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West Virginia highlighted in green to show approved SNAP waivers.” class=”wp-image-338079″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/www.mississippifreepress.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SNAP_Image_Map_cred-USDA.jpg?resize=1024%2C759&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.mississippifreepress.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SNAP_Image_Map_cred-USDA.jpg?resize=300%2C223&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.mississippifreepress.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SNAP_Image_Map_cred-USDA.jpg?resize=768%2C570&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.mississippifreepress.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SNAP_Image_Map_cred-USDA.jpg?resize=780%2C579&ssl=1 780w, https://i0.wp.com/www.mississippifreepress.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SNAP_Image_Map_cred-USDA.jpg?resize=400%2C297&ssl=1 400w, https://i0.wp.com/www.mississippifreepress.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SNAP_Image_Map_cred-USDA.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/www.mississippifreepress.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SNAP_Image_Map_cred-USDA-1024×759.jpg?w=370&ssl=1 370w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px”>A map shows the 12 states that have federal approval to restrict soda, candy and other items from SNAP purchases. Mississippi is considering a similar waiver. Graphic courtesy USDA
What SNAP would still cover:
Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned) Grains such as rice, bread and pasta Dairy products Meat, poultry and fish Frozen goods and pantry staples such as beans and cooking oil
What other states have banned:
Soda/soft drinks: Restricted in
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