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Oct 19, 2025
SNAP Soda Ban: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins Ends Taxpayer Junk Food Subsidies

SNAP Soda Ban: Ending Taxpayer Junk Food Subsidies

The push to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) has made significant strides with the signing of waivers by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins. These waivers allow 12 states to ban the purchase of sugary drinks, candy, and desserts using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) vouchers, which are intended to help low-income families access nutritious food. This move marks a pivotal step in ending taxpayer subsidies for junk food.   Six new states are joining the MAHA movement! Yesterday at the Great American Farmers Market, @secrollins and @seckennedy signed food choice state waivers for West Virginia , Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas to remove unhealthy foods from SNAP.… pic.twitter.com/Q8sAqaDBQP — Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) August 5, 2025 A Bold Step in SNAP Reform These states have approval and are now set to remove high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods from SNAP: Florida, West Virginia, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, Indiana, and Idaho. This reform comes amid President Trump’s broader initiative to tackle the nation’s rising health crisis and prioritize food quality. “The number one purchase by SNAP recipients is sugary drinks,” said Secretary Rollins. “SNAP is a supplemental NUTRITION program, meant to provide health food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget, so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.” .@SecRollins announces the signing of waivers removing unhealthy foods from SNAP in six more states: “SNAP is a supplemental NUTRITION program meant to provide health food benefits to low income families… the law states it and @POTUS‘ @USDA plans to deliver on it.” pic.twitter.com/Mby4uoQIdu — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 4, 2025 Despite the progress, implementing this policy at the federal level remains a challenge. Many lobbyists are fiercely advocating for the continuation of junk food eligibility, making it an uphill battle. Yet, the states are leading the charge, and 12 have now taken action, with 38 more to go. (RELATED: Tracy Beanz Reveals MAHA’s Mission & What Comes Next In Fascinating Interview) A Nationwide Call to Action Each state follows its own process to determine which foods are unhealthy and should be excluded. After this, they submit a formal request for approval from the USDA. The new food bans will take effect in 2026. The Trump administration is actively encouraging more states to apply for waivers, with each state playing a key role in shaping the future of SNAP. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary joined Rollins in announcing these waivers. Their support underscores the significance of this initiative in tackling the nation’s growing obesity and diabetes crisis. Ending the Sugar Subsidy Dr. Makary emphasized the importance of focusing on healthier alternatives to junk food, stating, “This begins the end of the government subsidization of our obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance epidemic.” He urged a national focus on the nutritional quality of food, rather than relying on medications to address the health crisis. “Forty percent of our nation’s kids now have a diagnosed chronic disease,” Dr. Makary added. “Thirty-one percent have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or insulin resistance. We have to talk about nutrients and fiber, not just Ozempic and other medications to medicate our nation.” Support for States and Local Leaders SNAP reform is a direct result of proactive state leadership. Governors from West Virginia, Florida, and other states have stepped up, requesting waivers and setting an example for the rest of the nation. Dr. Makary also praised the initiative, stating, “I hope to see all 50 states join this bold commonsense approach. For too long, the root causes of our chronic disease epidemic has been addressed with lip service only. It’s time for powerful changes to our nation’s SNAP program.” (MORE NEWS: Sweeney ‘Good Jeans’ Outrage Explained) What’s Next for MAHA? As the USDA and the Trump administration push forward with their efforts to reform SNAP, the question remains: Will other states follow suit? The battle is far from over. With 38 states still to act, the momentum needs to continue. But the steps taken up to this point have proven that meaningful change is possible. “It’s time for a change,” said RFK Jr. “And we’re seeing that change happen, state by state. We’re putting real food back at the center of SNAP, empowering states to lead the way in protecting public health.” Changing the Status Quo The fight to Make America Healthy Again is a real, tangible effort to reshape the way we view food, health, and public policy. With the signing of these waivers, we are witnessing the first steps toward a future where healthier food choices are accessible and where taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. As more states join this movement, the impact on public health could be profound. This is not just about banning soda and candy—it’s about changing the narrative around nutrition and ensuring that the poorest Americans are no longer subsidizing the very foods that contribute to chronic disease. The journey has just begun, but with the leadership of Secretary Rollins, Dr. Makary, and Secretary Kennedy, America is taking significant strides toward a healthier future. Forget the Headlines. Challenge the Script. Deliver the Truth. At The Modern Memo, we don’t tiptoe through talking points — we swing a machete through the media’s favorite lies. They protect power. We confront it. If you’re sick of censorship, narrative control, and being told what to think — stand with us. Share the story. Wake the people. Because truth dies in silence — and you weren’t made to stay quiet.

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