The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday approved a change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to remove soda, candy and more from the food that can be purchased using these benefits in Florida and five other states.

In a letter addressed to Gov. Ron DeSantis , the department said it would let Florida "operate a novel demonstration project" to amend the definition of food for purchase to exclude soda, energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts.

The change is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026 and would be effective for two years.

The letter said the Food and Nutrition Service would work together with the state of Florida to evaluate how the decision impacts SNAP participants and retailers. Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Imag

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