February 18, 2026 Louisiana Department of Health implements SNAP healthy food waiverWaiver strengthens access to nutritious foods and supports healthier futures for Louisiana families

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Feb 18, 2026 - The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is empowering families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to make healthier food choices with today’s implementation of Louisiana’s SNAP Food Restriction Waiver. Approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on August 4, 2025, the waiver removes soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy from the list of items eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.

Making nutritious choices is essential to building healthier, more resilient communities. As rates of chronic disease continue to rise, the need for accessible, wholesome food options has never been more urgent, yet promising. This project aims to direct SNAP benefits toward nutritious foods to reduce obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other diet-related health issues among Louisianans while enabling families to make healthier choices.

“This is a pivotal step toward a healthier Louisiana,” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “By focusing SNAP dollars on proteins, whole-grains, fruits, and vegetables, we’re investing in the long-term health of Louisiana’s children and families, while reducing future health care costs. This decision ensures that nutritious choices are not only available — they’re the foundation of everyday life.”

“This waiver encourages Louisianans to put real food on the table — fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, and cereals — as well as to learn to make healthier choices when reaching for a pre-prepared snack or meal,” said Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Evelyn Griffin. “Instead of picking up a soda and a candy bar on your way to work, you might opt for a bottle of water and a banana. Small changes can have a big impact on your health when you’re making them consistently. Moving the health outcomes needle for the better is what this waiver is all about.”

Restricted items

• Soft drinks: Carbonated, nonalcoholic beverages that contain high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.
  • Does not include flavored carbonated water, milk, or milk substitutes, or drinks with cane sugar, monk fruit sweeteners, other natural sweeteners, or greater than 50% fruit or vegetable juice by volume.
• Energy drinks: Beverages with added stimulants (e.g., caffeine, guarana, taurine).
  • Often labeled as enhancing energy, alertness, or performance.
• Candy: Sugary preparations with chocolate, fruit, or nuts (bars, drops, or pieces), including candy that contains flour.
  • Does not include protein bars, granola bars, or baking ingredients like chocolate chips or sprinkles.

SNAP supports approximately 750,000 Louisianans monthly, providing a vital lifeline for food security. By pairing the SNAP healthy food waiver with the recently expanded Louisiana Carrot Initiative, LDH is making it easier for families to choose nutritious options. These updates strengthen the program’s impact, ensuring SNAP families can afford the fresh, healthy foods that fuel lifelong well-being.

For more information regarding Louisiana’s SNAP Healthy Food Waiver, visit ldh.la.gov/SNAPWaiver. For additional information on SNAP waivers, visit fns.usda.gov/snap/waivers.