Per a request by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services that was approved by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy will no longer be able to be purchased through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP in Louisiana. 

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has announced that the SNAP Restriction Food Waiver, prohibiting specific sugar-laden items from being purchased with SNAP benefits, will go into effect on February 18, 2026.

SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being. These changes prioritize food within the SNAP program in order to help Louisiana families live healthier lifestyles.

Food items still able to be purchased include:
Fruits and vegetables
Meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products like milk and cheese
Breads, cereals, and grains
Seeds and plants for growing food at home

According to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), benefit levels or household eligibility will not be affected by these changes that are designed to help families build healthier shopping habits.