USDA approves Missouri waiver to exclude candy, sodas from SNAP purchases

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The USDA said Wednesday that it had approved Missouri's waiver seeking to exclude candy, soda and other junk food from purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding.

Missouri was one of six states receiving a waiver Wednesday, including Hawaii, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. The USDA approved a waiver requested by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe in October.

The prohibition includes candy, prepackaged sweets such as snack cakes and juice drinks made from less than 50% fruit or vegetable juice. The changes begin in 2026.

“We are incredibly thankful for Secretary Rollins’ approval of our waiver,” Gov. Mike Kehoe said of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in a news release. “Missouri is proud to partner with the Trump administration on the Make America Healthy Again movement as we refocus SNAP to maximize nutritional health for families while also supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state.”

So far, 18 governors have sought waivers, the release states.