Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has officially asked the federal government to approve a waiver to ban junk food purchases with SNAP (food stamps). The request was filed on September 29, 2025, and if approved, the change will begin on October 1, 2026. This makes Missouri the 13th state to seek restrictions under the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative.
The plan would ban soda, candy, and processed snacks while expanding support for healthy food like fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy. It would also grow the Double Up Food Bucks program, giving families extra money when they buy healthier foods. Missouri’s Department of Social Services will run the program, which serves about 656,000 residents (11% of the state).
Before anything is approved, there will be a 30-day public comment period. During this time, health experts, grocers, SNAP users, and farm groups can share their views. Missouri says its approach is different because it focuses not only on limiting unhealthy items but also on supporting local agriculture.
So far, twelve states already have USDA approval for similar restrictions. Arkansas has the toughest rules, banning soda, candy, and low-juice drinks starting July 2026. Iowa blocks any item taxed under state law, including gum and sweetened dried fruit. Florida bans desserts, Louisiana adds energy drinks, and Texas and Oklahoma focus on soda and candy.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins says 20% of SNAP dollars are spent on soda, snacks, and sweets, with soda being the top purchase. She argues that SNAP should return to “real food.” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. agrees, saying taxpayer money should not pay for products that cause diabetes and chronic disease.
Supporters believe these bans will save taxpayer money, improve diets, and help farmers. But critics warn about problems. Stores may face over $1.3 billion in new costs for checkout systems and staff training. Independent grocers say they could lose up to 10% of sales, and SNAP families may face confusion and stigma at checkout.
The American Beverage Association says the plan creates a “two-tiered system” that limits personal choice. They argue it will not make people healthier. Other food groups warn about longer grocery lines, customer frustration, and chaos from different state rules.
Ohio could be next. Governor Mike DeWine has until October 28, 2025 to decide. His plan would ban sugary drinks with sugar or corn syrup as main ingredients but would also allow rotisserie chickens, which SNAP currently blocks. This would affect 1.4 million residents (12% of the state).
Critics say the bans will not work. University of Michigan research shows that while soda purchases drop, overall diets do not improve. The Food Research and Action Center points out that SNAP only gives about $6.20 per day, making it hard to afford fresh food. The ACLU and others call the bans discriminatory and say they unfairly target low-income families.
Missouri’s waiver marks a major turning point in SNAP policy. If approved, it could push more states to act. But with strong pushback from grocers, industry leaders, and advocates, the future of these restrictions remains uncertain.
