April 16, 2026, 9:49 a.m. CT
Gov. Kay Ivey signed laws Wednesday restricting SNAP purchases of sugary meals and drinks, a transfer supporters say promotes more healthy consuming.
SB 57, sponsored by Arthur Orr, was permitted by the Alabama Legislature earlier this 12 months.
“We are promoting healthier diets for Alabama SNAP beneficiaries by restricting the purchase of sugary foods that contribute to obesity and diabetes,” Ivey mentioned in an announcement.
The legislation requires approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, earlier than taking impact.
What is Alabama’s weight problems fee?
Alabama has one of many nation’s highest weight problems charges, in accordance to the Trust for America’s Health “State of Obesity” report.
About 38.9% of adults within the state had obesity in 2024, whereas 22.8% of youngsters ages 6 to 17 have been affected in 2022-23.
What gadgets can be restricted beneath Alabama’s SNAP rule?
Under the legislation, SNAP recipients can be unable to use advantages for sure sugary gadgets, akin to soda and candy. The legislation offers particular definitions for these restricted gadgets, which instantly have an effect on what meals recipients can purchase with SNAP.
Candy (restricted):
The invoice defines candy as merchandise the place sugar or sweeteners are a main ingredient, akin to:
- Chocolate bars
- Non-chocolate candy
- Chewing gum
- Other sugar-based confections
Not thought of candy:
Some candy gadgets would nonetheless qualify for SNAP purchases, together with:
- Baked items like muffins and cookies
- Baking mixes
- Jams and jellies
- Frostings
- Marshmallows
- Hot cocoa combine
- Powdered drink mixes
- Ingredients used for cooking
Soda (restricted):
- Restrictions goal drinks with carbonated water and sugar as most important substances.
Not included:
- Drinks made with low- or no-calorie sweeteners, akin to weight loss plan soda.
Currently, SNAP advantages in Alabama can be utilized to buy groceries, snacks and seeds or vegetation that produce meals, however not alcohol, tobacco, nutritional vitamins, sizzling ready meals or non-food home goods.
When would the legislation take impact?
The restrictions is not going to take impact instantly. Alabama should first obtain approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture via a waiver course of.
If permitted, the legislation is ready to take impact Oct. 1, 2026. The state can be required to give retailers no less than one month’s discover earlier than enforcement begins.
If the waiver is denied, Alabama officers should proceed reapplying yearly till approval is granted.
How would the coverage be carried out?
State officers can be liable for serving to retailers adjust to new guidelines, together with figuring out restricted merchandise and offering coaching and steerage.
Stores wouldn’t face penalties for infrequent errors except they exceed three unintentional violations inside a 12 months.
Which states have comparable SNAP restrictions?
Alabama joins a rising variety of states in search of federal approval to prohibit sugary purchases via SNAP. A complete of twenty-two states have pursued or enacted comparable measures concentrating on soda and candy, with some increasing restrictions to embrace different sweetened drinks and desserts.
Those states embrace:
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect together with her on X @jenn_lindahl and electronic mail at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.
