TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Dec 12, 2025

Virginia and Tennessee will begin restricting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases of sugary drinks in 2026. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, joined by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced the approval of six new state SNAP food-choice waivers under the Make America Healthy Again initiative, WCYB reports. Hawai'i, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee submitted waivers that will amend the statutory definition of “food for purchase” beginning in 2026. In Tennessee, the restrictions will include processed foods and beverages such as soda, energy drinks and candy. “The Trump administration’s leadership to create innovative, responsible solutions that strengthen families and improve health outcomes will have a lasting impact on Tennesseans for generations to come,” Gov. Bill Lee said.