SNAP Changes Eliminate Soda, Processed Foods From Program

Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will soon be unable to spend their benefits on processed foods and beverages such as soda, energy drinks and candy, following a decision from the United States Department of Agriculture.

Tennessee joins 17 other states in adding waivers redefining what types of food can be purchased with SNAP dollars in 2026. The changes vary slightly state-to-state.

Tennessee’s SNAP changes, set to be implemented July 31, 2026, prevent SNAP recipients from spending their benefits on items where the primary ingredient is sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup or other high-calorie alternatives. It also prevents recipients from spending their benefits on drinks where the first two ingredients are carbonated water and sugar/high-fructose corn syrup or similar alternatives. The changes also add hot prepared chicken to the list of foods available for purchase.

“With these new waivers, we are empowering states to lead, protecting our children from the dangers of highly-processed foods, and moving one step closer to the President’s promise to Make America Healthy Again,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in a press release.

SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, helps approximately 1 in 8 Americans afford groceries. Beneficiaries receive monthly benefits on an EBT card, which they can use to shop at approved retailers.

Last month, 3,598 individuals from Carroll County received SNAP assistance.