Latest from Food Politics: SNAP waivers: bad for business?

Here’s what got me started on this one: SNAP waivers could lead to $830M sales loss for soda, candy, energy drinks: By the end of 2026, state-specific restrictions are expected to impact one-third of participants in the government food assistance ...

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By Marion Nestle June 17 2026 SNAP waivers: bad for business? Here’s what got me started on this one: SNAP waivers could lead to $830M sales loss for soda, candy, energy drinks: By the end of 2026, state-specific restrictions are expected to impact one-third of participants in the government food assistance program, Numerator found. Redirected or reduced spending by SNAP households could lead to sales losses of $430 million for soda, $300 million for candy, and $100 million for energy drinks across the 19 states that will have waivers in place by the end of the year, according to the firm’s research. SNAP waivers refer to rules about what SNAP recipients can buy with their electronic benefit cards.  Without waivers, they cannot buy alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, cannabis edibles and drinks, supplements, hot food, and non-food items. Waivers add sugar-sweetened beverages and some junk foods to this list. Up until this administration, the USDA turned down requests by cities (New York) and states (Maine, Nevada) for such waivers. Now, the USDA has granted waivers to 23 states so far, and is encouraging others to request them.   Food retailers are the beneficiaries of SNAP EBT cards.  SNAP recipients buy a lot of soda (as do lots of other people).   In waiver states, they will have to use their own money to buy soda. Will waivers reduce overall sales?  Retailers think so. Will waivers reduce consumption of sugary drinks, and improve the health of SNAP recipients? Let’s hope these states are sponsoring research to find out. The post SNAP waivers: bad for business? appeared first on Food Politics by Marion Nestle      Related Posts More tragedy: USDA renames, splits up, relocates SNAP services Scotland’s new stocking rules USDA expands stocking standards for retailers who serve SNAP recipients   Now Available: What to Eat Now My new book, What to Eat Now, is officially out! It's both a field guide to food shopping in America and a reflection on how to eat well—and deliciously. For more information and to order, click here. You can explore the full archive of this (almost) daily blog at foodpolitics.com, where you'll also find information about my books, articles, media interviews, upcoming lectures, favorite resources, and FAQs. Visit the Site » ​​​​​​​ Marion Nestle Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, Emerita © Marion Nestle. You're receiving this email because you've signed up to receive updates from us. If you'd prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe. Safely Unsubscribe • Archives • Preferences • Contact • Subscribe • Privacy

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