Several US states are set to ban items like soda and candy for Americans who rely on government benefits to buy food.

The bans will start New Year’s Day in five states – West Virginia, Utah, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska – and will impact lower-income families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or Snap.

It's part of a push led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who say taxpayer money shouldn't be used to purchase unhealthy foods.

"For years, SNAP has used taxpayer dollars to fund soda and candy - products that fuel America's diabetes and chronic disease epidemics," Kennedy said in a statement.

Historically, Snap beneficiaries have been able to purchase most grocery store items, with a few exceptions like hot foods, tobacco, alcoholic beverages and supplements.

But 18 states have now submitted requests for waivers that would allow them to restrict more foods and drinks.

In addition to soft drinks and candy, some states want to ban prepared desserts, fruit juices and other "unhealthy beverages".

Starting on Thursday, Western Virginia and Utah will ban sodas; Nebraska will ban sodas and energy drinks; and Indiana will ban sodas and candy.

Iowa will implement the strictest rules, banning soda, candy and other pre-packaged food subject to the state sales tax – like chocolate-coated nuts and sweet popcorn.

Restrictions will roll out in other states throughout 2026. Florida and Texas will start their bans in April, South Carolina in August, and Missouri in October.

Nearly 42 million people – 12% of the population – receive Snap benefits in the US.

Opponents of increasing restrictions on their use say the already-strained food-assistance program is not equipped to handle major changes, and they will cause confusion for retailers and recipients.

"SNAP restrictions will create more harm, confusion, and chaos for program participants who are still reeling from the government shutdown that unnecessarily delayed the delivery of benefits," Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Centre, said in a statement. (BBC, excluding headline)

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