8legs: U.s. department of agriculture

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6 more states approved for waivers to remove unhealthy foods from SNAP benefits

Six more states were approved to amend SNAP rules for 2026, expanding food-choice waivers to 18 states.
Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee won waivers for 2026 under MAHA, according to federal officials.
The waivers allow states to determine what SNAP benefits can buy, restricting items like soda and candy.
The initiative frames the changes as nutrition-focused, aiming to combat chronic disease and support healthier lifestyles.
Officials cite ongoing expansions, including earlier waivers in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and other states, with more to come in 2026.
The SNAP program uses electronic benefits to purchase food, with eligibility based on household factors.
Current total of states with waivers reaches 18 as new additions join earlier approvals.
The policy is part of a broader 'Laboratories of Innovation' approach encouraging state-driven nutrition solutions.
The article notes some experts question whether restricting soda effectively fights health conditions.
SNAP provides benefits to meet nutritional needs, with eligibility influenced by household size and income.

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