WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) \u2014 The checkout line just got a little different for hundreds of thousands of Florida families.<\/p>\n
Starting Monday, new state rules are changing what can – and can’t – be bought with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, reshaping grocery trips across the Sunshine State. Under the updated guidelines, SNAP recipients can no longer use their benefits to buy soda, energy drinks, candy, or certain prepared desserts, following the federal approval of a two-year pilot program aimed at steering food assistance toward more nutritious options.<\/p>\n
The changes stem from a waiver approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that allows Florida to temporarily alter the federal definition of what counts as eligible \u201cfood\u201d under SNAP. The demonstration project applies statewide and covers every Florida SNAP household, with no option for families to opt out.<\/p>\n
snap-foodrestrictionWaiverApproval-floridaPDF previewPreview PDF<\/p>\n
View PDF<\/p>\n
State officials say the goal is to refocus SNAP on its original mission \u2014 combating hunger and malnutrition \u2014 by excluding items they say offer little to no nutritional value. Supporters argue the restrictions could encourage healthier purchasing habits and improve long-term health outcomes. Critics say the policy limits choice and adds new hurdles for families already facing tight budgets.<\/p>\n
Under the new rules, several commonly purchased items are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits:<\/p>\n
Soda is no longer SNAP-eligible, defined as any carbonated beverage flavored or sweetened with added sugar or artificial sweeteners, including regular and diet soft drinks. Still allowed are plain or naturally flavored sparkling water, beverages with more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice, and drinks with fewer than five grams of added sugar.Energy drinks are barred from SNAP purchases if they contain at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per eight fluid ounces and are marketed to boost mental or physical energy. Coffee, tea, and beverages primarily made from coffee or tea are not included.Candy has been broadly excluded, including products primarily made from sugar or artificial sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruit, nuts, or caramel. That includes candy bars, gummies, and hard candies.Fresh foods remain fully covered, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and grains.Sports drinks and most juice products that meet nutritional standards are still eligible.The waiver does not change longstanding SNAP prohibitions on alcohol, tobacco, or hot foods prepared for immediate consumption.It also does not affect special meal programs serving seniors or people experiencing homelessness.<\/p>\n
The restrictions apply everywhere SNAP is accepted – from big-box grocery stores to neighborhood markets and online retailers. While SNAP benefits can no longer be used for the newly restricted items, shoppers may still buy them using cash, debit, or credit cards.<\/p>\n
See also: Florida gas rollercoaster: 14-cent spike fades, state average sits at $4.02<\/p>\n
For many recipients, the shift has sparked confusion and concern. Food banks and nonprofit grocery programs report an increase in questions from clients trying to navigate the new rules, while retailers have been working to update checkout systems to flag ineligible items. Some families worry about making mistakes at the register; others say the changes feel stigmatizing.<\/p>\n
Florida officials say the pilot program will be closely monitored through the end of the two-year period, with the state required to track purchasing behavior and potential health outcomes. Those findings could influence future SNAP policy decisions both in Florida and nationwide.<\/p>\n
CBS12 News wants to know, “Do you think Florida\u2019s new SNAP rules will make grocery shopping easier or harder for recipients?” VOTE BELOW. <\/p>\n
For now, the impact is immediate. As shoppers swipe their EBT cards this week, the rules have changed, and what ends up in the grocery cart may look different from what it did just days ago.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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