Map Shows States With SNAP Benefit Restrictions as More Rules Come In
The new restrictions came into force on November 1 despite a June court ruling that invalidated similar policies in other states.
Four additional states—Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Virginia—have introduced purchasing restrictions for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as of November 1, despite a court ruling attempting to invalidate them. These states joined a list that already includes eight states with similar restrictions, and six more are set to join in 2027 or later.
The measures are part of a persistent Trump administration initiative to encourage healthier eating habits within the federal food assistance program, which supports over 35 million people across the nation.
However, these restrictions have been met with legal challenges from advocates who argue that they limit food choices for low-income households. While SNAP benefits are available nationwide and primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program is managed at the state level. States can apply for waivers to make changes to the program, with 12 states currently having unhealthy food restrictions after previously obtaining USDA approval.
The USDA has acknowledged the following purchasing restrictions are now active: despite a June court ruling that invalidated similar policies in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia. A U.S. district judge found that the USDA had overstepped its legal authority by approving the junk food restrictions without proper notice. Although the judge's decision only affected those five states, it temporarily halted the implementation of new rules in Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Virginia.
The restrictions have been criticized by anti-hunger groups and advocates who contend that they unfairly diminish consumer freedoms for low-income Americans. Kavelle Christie, a health policy and advocacy expert, noted that in many rural areas and food deserts, convenience stores and fast-food establishments often serve as the primary food sources, making healthier options scarce or prohibitively expensive.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
