Secretary Rollins Signs Six New State Waivers to Make America Healthy Again by Removing Unhealthy Foods from SNAP

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Secretary Rollins Signs Six New State Waivers to Make America Healthy Again by Removing Unhealthy Foods from SNAP

Meta Title: Six New State Waivers to Make America Healthy Again Approved
Meta Description: USDA Secretary Rollins approves six new state waivers to Make America Healthy Again, removing unhealthy foods from SNAP in 2026.

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In a significant move to reshape federal nutrition assistance, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has approved six new state waivers under the Make America Healthy Again initiative. Announced today with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., these waivers authorize Hawai‘i, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee to redefine “food for purchase” within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Starting in 2026, these states will raise the bar by implementing new standards. These rules are designed to focus on nutritional value instead of processed options. As a result, states will help more people make healthier food choices.

Restoring Nutritional Integrity to SNAP

The main goal of these new waivers is to return federal aid to its original purpose: nutrition. By removing unhealthy and highly processed foods from SNAP eligibility, the administration hopes to slow the nation’s rising rates of chronic disease. This change is designed to help more people make healthier choices and prevent illness before it starts.

Secretary Rollins underlined how committed the administration is to healthy reform. She explained, “President Trump has made it clear: we are restoring SNAP to its true purpose – nutrition. Under the MAHA initiative, we are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long.” With this clear direction, the administration is setting a new standard for nutrition-focused policies.

As a result, this move gives state governors the power to innovate and create solutions that honor taxpayer dollars. At the same time, it actively supports longer, healthier lives for families. Ultimately, this action is an important step toward fulfilling the promise to Make America Healthy Again.

A Whole-of-Government Approach to Health

This initiative relies on strong teamwork across federal departments. For example, HHS Secretary Kennedy pointed out a problem with the current system. Taxpayers should not fund programs that contribute to illness, only to pay again when treating those same conditions. Instead, these reforms aim to change that pattern.

Kennedy said, “Thank you to the 18 governors who are leading the charge on SNAP reform to restore the health of Americans—especially our kids. Their courageous leadership is exactly what we need.”

CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz shared a similar view. He praised the united, whole-of-government approach in the fight against obesity. By working closely with states on effective SNAP reform, the administration hopes to boost the overall wellbeing of Americans. These proactive policy changes are designed to have a lasting and positive impact.

![Image of fresh produce in a grocery store basket. Alt text: Fresh vegetables representing the goal to Make America Healthy Again through better nutrition.]

Governors Champion Healthy Food Choices

State leaders have embraced these waivers, seeing them as essential for improving health in their communities. In fact, many governors believe these tools will drive better public health outcomes within their states.

Missouri and North Dakota Focus on Outcomes

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe welcomed the flexibility to refocus SNAP. He pointed out two benefits. First, families will enjoy better nutritional health. Second, the new rules support the state’s strong agricultural industry.

In a similar way, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong described the waiver as a proactive investment in public health. He stated, “By investing in healthier food purchases with SNAP, we are taking a proactive step toward becoming the healthiest state in the nation.” Armstrong believes this approach will lead to a better quality of life for residents.

South Carolina and Tennessee Prioritize Smart Spending

For South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, the waiver shows a “common-sense approach” to spending federal dollars. Instead of buying junk food, families will be encouraged to choose more nutritious options. In this way, the state can make sure taxpayer funds deliver the greatest benefit possible.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee praised the quick approval process and emphasized its positive, long-term impact on families. He explained, “The Trump Administration’s leadership to create innovative, responsible solutions will have a lasting impact on Tennesseans for generations to come.” Lee also expressed gratitude to President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Kennedy for their swift support, as well as thanks to the retailers and food producers making nutritious food available to every community.

Expanding the Laboratories of Innovation

These six new approvals continue Secretary Rollins’ “Laboratories of Innovation” initiative. Through this program, governors are invited to propose state-driven solutions that further strengthen federal nutrition programs.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin pointed out that these actions build on similar waivers already given to Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah. Because of this, 12 states now partner with the USDA and HHS to improve SNAP reform and strengthen nutritional integrity.

Each waiver is customized according to state requests, so every state can address its unique needs. By using these localized strategies, states will be able to exclude foods that might harm public health. Once the changes take effect in 2026, these states will act as test cases. Their results may guide a larger, national push toward healthier living.

![Image of a family cooking a healthy meal together. Alt text: Family preparing a nutritious meal, illustrating the benefits of healthy food choices.]

Learn More About Policy Impacts

For more insights on how policy changes affect communities and health outcomes, read our analysis on The Narrative Matters.

Resources

To understand the current nutritional guidelines and how they might shift, visit the USDA’s Nutrition.gov website.

Conclusion

The approval of these six waivers marks a big change in how the United States supports nutrition. By linking SNAP benefits to the goal to Make America Healthy Again, leaders hope that limiting unhealthy foods will help create a stronger and healthier population. As the year 2026 nears, people across the country will watch these 12 states closely. Their progress will show whether this bold plan can reverse chronic disease trends and bring better health to more Americans..

#MakeAmericaHealthyAgain, #SNAPReform, #HealthyLiving