Governor Gianforte SNAP Junk Food Restriction Waiver Submission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 31 2026

Contacts: Charlie Roth, Office of the Governor
Jon Ebelt, Department of Public Health and Human Services

Making Montana Healthy Again: Gov. Gianforte Submits Waiver To Reform SNAP

Prioritizes nutrition over soft drinks, junk food, and candy

HELENA, MT — Governor Greg Gianforte today submitted a waiver to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to restrict purchases in Montana’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to healthy, nutritious foods instead of soft drinks, junk food, and candy.

“For too long, leaders in Washington have ignored the root causes of chronic disease that affect the lives of Americans across our country,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Thanks to the strong leadership of President Donald J. Trump, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, and Secretary Rollins, we are taking bold steps to Make America Healthy Again. Montana is proud to join them in the effort to prioritize access to nutrient-rich foods to help improve health outcomes.”

SNAP is a $99.8 billion federal program that supplements the nutritional needs of low-income families. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study, approximately 20 percent of SNAP’s yearly spending is used to buy unhealthy drinks and foods.

“This waiver is a critical step in addressing the growing concern of diet-related chronic conditions across our state,” Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Charlie Brereton said. “By aligning SNAP purchases with national dietary guidelines, we are directly supporting Montana’s goal to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks, candy, and other foods that contribute to adverse health outcomes, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes.”

The proposed waiver aligns Montana with practices in 22 other states. The waiver introduces categories for restricted items, including a standardized definition of candy and prepared desserts, such as packaged snack cakes, while specifically protecting access to protein bars and fresh baked goods. The waiver also targets high-sugar beverages exceeding 10 grams of sugar per 8 ounces and energy drinks. By excluding essential items such as milk, 100 percent fruit juice, and medical electrolytes, the framework ensures SNAP continues to support recipient health while focusing on nutrient-dense food options.

The governor’s letter to Sec. Rollins is available on the governor’s website.