WYOMING — Gov. Mark Gordon and Department of Family Services (DFS) Director Korin Schmidt are in Washington, D.C., today to sign Wyoming’s Healthy Choice Waiver that would restrict purchases of soda and candy with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
In October 2025, Gordon signed an executive order directing DFS staff to conduct a review of food items with low or no nutritional value that are currently eligible for purchase through SNAP. In January, Wyoming submitted its waiver application to the federal government. Today’s official signing of the waiver in Washington makes Wyoming the 22nd state to implement restrictions on purchases of candy and/or soda with SNAP benefit funds. According to a news release from Gordon’s office, the governor is meeting with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to sign the official documents. Gordon emphasized that the regulations are about long-term health, not government overreach.
“As I have said before, Wyoming taxpayers expect their dollars to support food assistance that helps families put healthy food on the table,” Gordon said in a statement. “This waiver is about supporting healthier communities in Wyoming and is a reasonable, commonsense step that aligns the program with its original purpose. Wyoming is leading in a way that is thoughtful, measured, and focused on better outcomes for families.”
The announcement highlights “months of stakeholder engagement,” which came from public town halls, retailer feedback and input from SNAP recipients. Constituents identified the need for education regarding purchases as well as a tiered approach to the changes. Beginning in February 2027, SNAP benefits will not cover sweetened, carbonated beverages, and in February 2028, candy purchases will also be limited.
“The waiver defines ‘sweetened, carbonated beverages’ as any nonalcoholic beverage that is made with carbonated water and is flavored and sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners,” the statement reads. “This definition does not include a beverage that contains milk, milk products, soy, rice, or other milk substitutes, or that is greater than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.” A formal definition of “candy” will be submitted by April 1, 2027.
Critics of SNAP waivers argue that the government should work to educate and encourage recipients to make healthy choices instead of enacting burdensome restrictions that could also affect retailers. President of the Food Research & Action Center Crystal FitzSimons said in a December 2025 statement that SNAP waivers are a harmful misstep that could have lasting consequences.
“SNAP is designed to help people put food on the table with dignity,” FitzSimons said. “Instead of restricting specific foods, the administration and Congress should expand access to nutrition and improve benefits, which average just over $6 per person per day. Providing nutrition education and supporting policies that encourage the purchase of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options are far more effective in improving health than limiting choice.”
