### New SNAP Restrictions: A Shift Towards Healthier Choices in Tennessee and Beyond In a significant policy shift, Tennessee has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement restrictions on the purchase of candy, soft drinks, and other sugary processed foods using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting in July 2026. This decision aims to promote healthier eating habits among SNAP recipients, impacting approximately 734,000 residents in the state. Retailers are expressing concerns about the implications of these changes on costs and guidance for compliance [https://www.newschannel5.com/news/state/tennessee/davidson-county/tennessee-bans-candy-soft-drinks-and-more-from-snap-benefits-in-2026]. ### Overview of SNAP Changes Across States 1. **Tennessee's New Restrictions**: - Starting July 2026, Tennessee will ban candy, soft drinks, and sugary processed foods from SNAP purchases, following USDA approval [https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessee-gets-approval-to-ban-junk-food-from-snap-purchases]. 2. **Virginia's Waiver**: - Virginia has also received USDA approval to exclude sweetened beverages from SNAP benefits, aligning with the trend of promoting healthier food choices [https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/virginia-sweetened-beverages-snap-restrictions-dec-11-2025]. 3. **South Carolina's Initiative**: - South Carolina has been granted a waiver to remove candy, energy drinks, and soft drinks from SNAP eligibility, aiming to combat obesity rates in the state [https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/south-carolina-aims-reduce-obesity-rates-with-new-snap-restrictions/P3GPPXS44NCTFOEKZN4PLTUMLU]. 4. **National Trend**: - Six states, including Tennessee, Virginia, and South Carolina, have received approvals to restrict certain food items under SNAP, affecting nearly 3 million people nationwide [https://www.newsweek.com/snap-benefits-to-change-for-nearly-3-million-people-11190165]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Impact on Residents**: - Tennessee's restrictions will affect 734,000 SNAP recipients, encouraging healthier dietary choices by limiting access to sugary foods [https://www.rocketcitynow.com/article/news/national/tennessee-bans-sugary-drinks-snap-benefits-promote-healthier-choices/525-6d644893-774c-4510-9736-05682329f0cd]. - **Retailer Concerns**: - Retailers are worried about the financial implications and the need for clear guidance on compliance with the new regulations [https://www.newschannel5.com/news/state/tennessee/davidson-county/tennessee-bans-candy-soft-drinks-and-more-from-snap-benefits-in-2026]. ### Conclusion: A Move Towards Healthier SNAP Benefits The recent approvals for SNAP restrictions across several states mark a pivotal shift in food assistance programs aimed at improving public health. 1. **Tennessee**: Starting July 2026, candy and sugary drinks will be banned from SNAP purchases, impacting 734,000 residents. 2. **Virginia and South Carolina**: Both states have received waivers to exclude sweetened beverages and junk food from SNAP, reflecting a broader trend. 3. **National Implications**: With six states implementing similar restrictions, nearly 3 million people will experience changes in their SNAP benefits. These measures are designed to promote healthier eating habits among low-income families, although they raise concerns among retailers regarding compliance and costs [https://www.newschannel5.com/news/state/tennessee/davidson-county/tennessee-bans-candy-soft-drinks-and-more-from-snap-benefits-in-2026, https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/virginia-sweetened-beverages-snap-restrictions-dec-11-2025, https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/south-carolina-aims-reduce-obesity-rates-with-new-snap-restrictions/P3GPPXS44NCTFOEKZN4PLTUMLU].