Governor Gianforte SNAP Junk Food Restriction Waiver Submission

MT Dept of Public Health News

Published March 31st, 2026

Detected April 6th, 2026

Summary

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte submitted a waiver request to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to restrict SNAP purchases to nutritious foods, limiting purchases of soft drinks, candy, and junk food. The proposed demonstration project targets approximately 20 percent of SNAP spending currently used on unhealthy items and aligns Montana with 22 other states. The waiver introduces restrictions on beverages exceeding 10 grams of sugar per 8 ounces and establishes a standardized definition for candy and prepared desserts.

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What changed

Governor Gianforte submitted a demonstration waiver to USDA requesting authority to restrict SNAP purchases in Montana to nutrient-dense foods. The waiver targets soft drinks, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts while protecting access to milk, 100 percent fruit juice, medical electrolytes, protein bars, and fresh baked goods. The proposal establishes a beverage sugar limit of 10 grams per 8 ounces and aligns with 22 other states already implementing similar restrictions. The governor's letter cites a USDA study showing roughly 20 percent of SNAP's $99.8 billion annual spending supports unhealthy purchases.

SNAP retailers operating in Montana should monitor USDA approval progress and prepare systems to identify and restrict qualifying items. Food manufacturers producing high-sugar beverages and restricted snack items should assess potential market impacts. The waiver is pending federal review and has no established compliance deadline. If approved, Montana DPHHS will implement the framework under demonstration project authority.

What to do next

Retailers: Review SNAP transaction systems to prepare for potential product restrictions on beverages exceeding 10g sugar/8oz and restricted prepared desserts
Food manufacturers: Assess product portfolio for items that may fall under the standardized candy and high-sugar beverage definitions
Monitor USDA response to the waiver application and any subsequent federal guidance on implementation

Source document (simplified)

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.