FLORIDA — Beginning April 20, 2026, Florida will join 17 other states in restricting certain snack and junk food purchases using SNAP benefits. The change is part of a two-year USDA pilot program aimed at improving nutrition for low-income families.
Under the new rules, SNAP recipients in Florida will no longer be able to use benefits to buy soda, energy drinks, candy, or ultra-processed desserts. State officials say the policy is intended to better align SNAP with its original purpose: providing households access to nutritious meals.
Linda Lockett Brown, a registered dietitian nutritionist, said, “It’s about making the best choices for our kids and our families. What people normally think of as a snack—chips, cookies, doughnuts, soda—those aren’t foods. They fall into what we call ‘other.’” She added that poor nutrition has led to health issues, like diabetes and obesity, appearing in children as young as 10.
Local residents largely support the measure. Charles Callison said, “They should buy good food, not junk food…especially for kids.” Turk Reaves added, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I think it could definitely be beneficial to those who need it.”
To address concerns about access and affordability, Lockett Brown suggested alternatives such as homemade snacks or grocery delivery services for healthier options.
Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr., representing District 8, highlighted challenges in food-insecure areas with limited grocery options. He stressed that restrictions alone won’t solve the problem without improving access to healthy foods. “If access isn’t there, restrictions alone won’t fix the problem,” Gaffney said, calling for more grocery stores, better transportation, and programs that bring fresh food closer to neighborhoods.
The state’s SNAP Healthy Food Updates page emphasizes the initiative’s goal: supporting nutritious food choices and improving measurable healthy eating outcomes for Florida families.
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