HHS Priority to Remove Junk Food from SNAP Hailed by Governors

In early August, on the National Mall, the governors of Iowa and West Virginia joined FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary with HHS Secretary Kennedy as US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins signed six new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) state waivers promoting President Trump’s Make American Health Again initiative.

In celebration of the USDA’s Great American Farmers Market 2025, a parade of food, family, and farming highlighting American agriculture as part of the Trump Administration’s events leading up to the 250th anniversary of America’s founding next year, several public events were displaying the policy priorities.

Saying that SNAP funding allowed for soda and candy purchases, the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture have sought to redefine how the program can spend allocated dollars for healthier food. “These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health. I thank these governors who have stepped up to request waivers, and I encourage others to follow their lead. This is how we Make America Healthy Again,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy.

Adding her support for the shift in policy, Secretary Rollins said, “it is incredible to see so many states take action at this critical moment in our nation’s history and do something to begin to address chronic health problems…these state waivers promote healthier options for families in need.” The waivers expand the number of states implementing SNAP reform, including Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, and Utah signed earlier in 2025. To read the fully statement, go to

https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/maha-monday-snap-waivers.html