Idaho Submits Waiver to USDA to Restrict SNAP Purchases
BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has formally requested a federal waiver that would prohibit the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to buy junk food, including candy and sugary beverages.
The request follows Governor Brad Little’s signing of House Bill 109 in April, which aims to prevent the purchase of soft drinks and candy with SNAP benefits. Before the law can take effect, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must approve Idaho’s request, as federal oversight governs how states implement SNAP guidelines.
Governor Little Ties Initiative to National Health Campaign
Governor Little hailed the waiver request as a step toward improving public health in Idaho and aligning with the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative led by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
“My administration is committed to securing the necessary waiver as quickly as possible so we can improve lives and Idahoans’ overall health,” Little said in a statement.
SNAP Reform Aims to Encourage Healthier Choices
John Bernasconi, administrator of the Division of Self-Reliance at the Department of Health and Welfare, said the effort is part of a broader push to align SNAP benefits with basic nutrition principles.
“By aligning SNAP benefits with basic nutrition standards, we hope to reduce preventable chronic health conditions and encourage healthier habits across the state,” Bernasconi said.
Junk Food Accounts for Significant SNAP Spending
According to USDA data, nearly 20% of SNAP benefit dollars are currently spent on junk food items such as soda, chips, and candy. If the waiver is approved, Idaho would become one of the few states to implement such targeted restrictions.
The proposed change would revise the list of allowable food purchases under the federal SNAP program, potentially reshaping shopping habits for thousands of Idaho residents who rely on food assistance.
