Millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits are facing the most sweeping rule changes in decades. Starting April 20, 2026, Florida joins Texas and Colorado in banning certain foods from EBT purchases — and expanded work requirements now affect adults up to age 64. Here's everything you need to know.
Which States Are Restricting SNAP Foods?
The Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" push has led the USDA to approve a wave of state-level SNAP Food Restriction Waivers. As of April 2026, 22 states have restrictions in effect or pending approval. Here are the states with confirmed, active restrictions:
What Exactly Is Banned?
Florida (Starting April 20, 2026)
Florida's "Healthy SNAP" program is the broadest rollout yet. SNAP recipients in Florida will no longer be able to use their EBT cards to purchase:
- Soda and soft drinks (all varieties)
- Energy drinks (Red Bull, Monster, Celsius, etc.)
- Candy (all categories, including gum and chocolate)
- Ultra-processed shelf-stable prepared desserts (packaged cakes, cookies, pastries)
Items that remain EBT-eligible in Florida include fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, and 100% fruit or vegetable juices.
Texas (Effective April 1, 2026 — Already Active)
Texas Lone Star Card holders can no longer buy:
- Candy (all types)
- Sweetened beverages — specifically nonalcoholic drinks containing 5 grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener
- This excludes drinks with more than 50% real fruit or vegetable juice
Colorado (Effective March 1, 2026 — Already Active)
Colorado's ban covers soft drinks — defined as nonalcoholic beverages made with natural or artificial sweeteners. Milk-based drinks and beverages over 50% juice are still allowed.
Arkansas (Effective July 1, 2026)
Arkansas will ban soda, candy, and fruit-flavored drinks that contain less than half real juice when its program launches this summer.
New SNAP Work Requirements: Age Limit Raised to 64
Food restrictions aren't the only change hitting SNAP recipients in 2026. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed in July 2025, dramatically expanded work requirements.
What Changed
Previously, SNAP's Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements applied to adults ages 18–54. Under the new law:
- The age ceiling has been raised from 55 to 64
- Adults aged 55–64 who were previously exempt must now work, volunteer, or participate in job training
- The requirement is 80 hours per month (about 20 hours per week)
- Most states began enforcement by February 1, 2026, with full compliance rolling through the year
- Work, volunteer hours, and job training all count toward the requirement
- SNAP Employment & Training program can help participants find qualifying activities
- Exemptions exist for pregnancy, caregiving, and health barriers
- An estimated 1 million+ adults ages 55–64 could lose benefits
- Many older adults face age discrimination in hiring
- Physical limitations may not qualify as formal "health barriers" under all state interpretations
Who Is Exempt from Work Requirements?
Even with the expanded age limit, some adults ages 55–64 remain exempt if they:
- Are pregnant
- Live with a dependent child age 13 or younger
- Have a verified physical or mental health condition that prevents employment
- Are already participating in certain substance abuse treatment programs
If you're in this age group and receiving SNAP, contact your state's benefit office to confirm your status and document any applicable exemptions.
How to Check If Your EBT Purchases Are Affected
If you're unsure whether a specific item is still EBT-eligible in your state, here are the best steps:
- Florida residents: Visit healthysnap.myflfamilies.com for the official eligible and restricted items list
- Texas residents: Check the Texas HHS SNAP Purchase Restrictions page
- All states: Ask your cashier before checkout — retailers are required to block restricted items at point of sale automatically
- Use the Propel app — the EBT balance app has started flagging restricted items in participating states
- 40+ million Americans receive SNAP benefits each month
- Florida alone has approximately 3.5 million SNAP recipients
- Texas has roughly 3.2 million active SNAP households
- The USDA has approved restriction waivers for 22 states as of April 2026
- SNAP recipients sued the USDA in March 2026 over the soda and candy bans, citing nutritional autonomy concerns
What About States NOT on This List?
If your state isn't listed above, your SNAP purchasing rules have not changed yet. However, the USDA has signaled openness to approving waivers from any state that applies. Given the current political momentum, more states are expected to seek restrictions through 2026 and into 2027.
States that have publicly indicated interest include: Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, and Nebraska.
The Legal Challenge
Not everyone is on board. In March 2026, a coalition of SNAP recipients filed a federal lawsuit against the USDA, arguing the food restrictions are discriminatory and that the agency overstepped its authority by granting state waivers without Congressional approval. The case is ongoing, but no court has issued an injunction pausing the restrictions — meaning they remain in effect as scheduled.
Bottom Line
SNAP in 2026 looks different than it did even six months ago. If you or someone you know relies on EBT benefits, the key action items are:
- Florida recipients: Adjust your shopping list before April 20 — soda, energy drinks, and candy will be blocked at checkout
- Texas and Colorado recipients: Restrictions are already live; check labels for added sugar content
- Adults 55–64: Verify your work requirement status immediately if you haven't already
- All states: Watch for further updates — 22 states now have restrictions or applications pending
The food stamp program hasn't changed this fast in decades. Staying informed is the best way to protect your benefits.
