NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Governor Bill Lee is requesting federal permission to restrict the purchase of junk food with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Tennessee.

On Friday, Lee submitted a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that would allow the state to ban people from using their SNAP benefits to purchase certain processed and sugary foods with their benefits. At the same time, the proposal would expand options by permitting the purchase of hot foods, such as rotisserie chicken, which is currently not allowed under federal rules.

Lee framed the move as part of a broader effort to promote healthier eating habits, aligning with the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthier Again” initiative. If approved, Tennessee would join 12 other R

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