Beneficiaries of Florida's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will no longer be able to buy "junk food" items using SNAP benefits, effective Monday.
Implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), the new policy seeks to promote healthier food options for low-income households while banning unhealthy products using benefits, including the following:
- Soda
- Energy Drinks
- Candy
- Ultra-processed Prepared Dessert
"Florida is committed to promoting the health and well-being of families who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)," DCF's Healthy SNAP Florida said. "Florida has received federal approval to implement Florida’s SNAP changes to promote healthy food, an important step toward supporting nutritious food choices for families receiving SNAP benefits."
DCF also said the policy will help SNAP beneficiaries "alleviate hunger and combat malnutrition" by pushing more nutritious options.
"By excluding soda, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed shelf-stable prepared desserts, Florida is taking a proactive step to ensure SNAP benefits are used for more nourishing foods," DCF added.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 5 U.S. children and adolescents is obese. Rates are also higher among Hispanic and Black Americans.
Looking to "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA), DCF's restrictions follow Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's push for healthier food items under the Trump administration beginning in February 2025.
Moreover, Florida Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson praised the Trump administration for its push last October, saying, "Florida’s children deserve better than a diet of ultra-processed foods, and we will continue to prioritize Florida farmers’ fresh, nutritious products on school menus."
Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with First Lady Casey DeSantis, also announced a Florida MAHA commission to promote healthier food items in September 2025. The commission included Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, Healthcare Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris, Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch, Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham, and Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert.
