Official: The decision by the government and the U.S. SSA on SNAP, this affects you

In a recent statement, the United States government, through the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) linked to SNAP, has spoken. The government has given the green light to a firm decision that will affect millions of beneficiaries. The goal is for SNAP funds, known by many as "food stamps," to be used more appropriately.

The measure states that six additional states—West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas—recently obtained waivers from the USDA. These waivers will allow them to prohibit the use of the EBT card (SNAP program) to purchase certain types of food considered "junk food," such as sodas, candy, energy drinks, and prepared desserts.

Ssa gets serious: snap seeks for Americans to eat better

This new measure will be implemented starting in 2026 and promises to spark some controversy among many SNAP beneficiaries. With these additions, there are now 12 states in total—the six new ones plus Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah—that will apply similar restrictions.

The intention is clear on the part of the SSA. The government wants the funds intended to keep millions of Americans fed not to support foods high in sugar or processed foods. The truth is that these foods predispose people to chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

What does this change mean? the United States government explains

This represents a real change in the way SNAP operates. It shifts from being a generic support for food to becoming a tool that promotes health by preventing the purchase of food with low nutritional value.

The administration in charge, especially Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., support this strategy as part of their "Make America Healthy Again" initiative.

The government emphasizes that these changes are aligned with SNAP's original purpose: to help low-income families access essential and nutritious foods. The restrictions do not affect fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, or dairy products, only highly processed or sugary products.

Some experts warn that this way of prohibiting may not truly improve beneficiaries' diets. This is especially true if access to healthy alternatives in rural or disadvantaged areas is not improved first. They also point out that without real subsidies or incentives for fresh foods, the restrictions could limit options without solving the underlying problem.