Sweeping changes are on the way for millions of SNAP recipients in 12 states that have banned unhealthy food and/or drinks from being purchased using benefits—and more could soon join them.

What Is Happening With SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is paid for by the federal government, but its administration is left to the states, which can change the rules, within reason, on what can be bought using benefits. Such rule changes, known as waivers, are, however, at the behest of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the program.

There has long been a conservative push to limit what SNAP benefits can buy. Under the Trump administration, 12 states, 11 of which are Republican , have successfully changed the rules. Some only ban sugary soda drink

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