sumners / Depositphotos.com
Governor Kelly Armstrong announced that significant changes are coming to ND’s SNAP benefits, with unhealthy items being banned starting in September 2026.
North Dakota is now one of six states with a SNAP food-choice waiver, as the USDA granted its approval under the Make America Healthy Again initiative. Soft drinks, energy drinks, candy, and sweetened baking ingredients like marshmallows and chocolate chips will no longer be available for purchase with SNAP benefits.
“By investing in healthier food purchases with SNAP, we are taking a proactive step toward becoming the healthiest state in the nation,” Armstrong said. HHS Commissioner Pat Traynor says the waiver encourages more nutritious food choices that reduce chronic disease rates and foster long-term health and stronger communities.
More than 58,000 North Dakotans use SNAP. HHS will work with retailers to implement the changes by September 2026.
Comments