Tennessee and Five States Receive SNAP Junk-Food Waivers
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60-Second Summary
Nashville — The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved six state food-choice waivers changing what recipients can buy with SNAP benefits, removing some sugar-first-ingredient items such as sodas, candy and desserts. Tennessee, Missouri, North Dakota, Hawai'i, South Carolina and Virginia received approvals that also allow purchases of prepared foods like rotisserie chicken. States submitted requests this year; Tennessee filed its waiver in August. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the decisions, which implement under the Make America Healthy Again initiative and take effect in 2026 or on dates. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
About this summary
This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 6 original reports from WKRN News 2, KX NEWS, WATE 6 On Your Side, Axios, WSMV Nashville and Fox2Now.
Timeline of Events
- August — Tennessee submitted its SNAP food-choice waiver request to USDA.
- Earlier 2025 — Multiple states filed similar MAHA-related food-choice waiver applications.
- Wednesday — USDA and HHS announced approvals for six state waivers (Tennessee, Missouri, North Dakota, Hawai'i, South Carolina, Virginia).
- 2026 — Modified definition of 'food for purchase' will take effect in affected states; most target Jan. 1 while Missouri cites Oct. 1, 2026.
- Post-approval — States, retailers and agencies prepare implementation and monitoring procedures to track impacts.
- Articles Published:
- 6
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 5
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 83%, Right 17%
State health agencies, nutrition advocates, and some retailers may gain funding flexibility, policy alignment with the administration's Make America Healthy Again initiative, and potential program incentives tied to state implementation.
Low-income SNAP recipients in affected states will face new restrictions on purchasing sugar-primary beverages, candy, and some prepared high-sugar items beginning in 2026 or on state-specific implementation dates, altering benefit usage and shopping patterns.
After reading and researching latest news.... The USDA approved six state SNAP waivers to bar certain high-sugar items and allow prepared foods; states filed requests this year, with implementation slated for 2026 or state-specific dates. Outcomes will need evaluation.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
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From Center
Tennessee and Five States Receive SNAP Junk-Food Waivers
WKRN News 2 KX NEWS WATE 6 On Your Side Axios WSMV Nashville
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