USDA Partners with Governors to Revamp SNAP: A Step Towards Healthier Futures

(Washington, D.C., December 15, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, has outlined in a recent opinion piece for The Hill the significant strides the USDA is making in collaboration with state governors to enhance the integrity and nutritional value of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

A New Direction for SNAP

“Under the guidance of President Trump, the Department of Agriculture is granting states unique flexibility to manage their nutrition programs,” said Secretary Rollins. “This initiative reflects a bipartisan commitment, bringing together states from across the political spectrum. We are steering SNAP back to its fundamental mission: making wholesome foods available for America’s most vulnerable populations.”

Recently, Secretary Rollins signed waivers for six states—Hawai’i, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia—enabling them to implement restrictions on the purchase of junk food and sweetened beverages using SNAP benefits. This marks an essential reform aimed at ensuring that taxpayer funds are used to provide nutritious options for those in need.

Building on Previous Success

These recent waivers follow the approval of 12 other states that received similar permissions earlier in the year. The Department of Agriculture is actively encouraging states to innovate and tailor their nutrition programs, addressing public health concerns and improving overall food quality.

Addressing a National Health Crisis

The urgency of addressing chronic health conditions among the youth of America is evident. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 40% of U.S. children aged 0-17 have at least one chronic health condition. Alarmingly, more than 350,000 children in America have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Furthermore, the implications of rising childhood obesity and other health issues extend beyond individual health; they pose significant risks to national security. Reports indicate that over 75% of American youth aged 17-24 are ineligible for military service, primarily due to health challenges.

Improving the SNAP program is a critical step given that approximately 15.6 million children are currently beneficiaries of the program, representing 39% of its participants.

Transforming SNAP’s Impact

For too long, sugary drinks dominated SNAP purchases, overshadowing healthier options. The Trump administration’s collaboration with state governors seeks to correct this trend, emphasizing the importance of nutritious foods.

As Secretary Rollins emphasizes, governors play a crucial role in transforming states into laboratories of innovation for health initiatives. She encourages more states to identify not only healthy options for families but also strategies that reduce fraud and emphasize work opportunities, ensuring the program remains sustainable and focused on those most in need.

A Vision for the Future

In the words of President Ronald Reagan, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” This sentiment captures the essence of the USDA’s mission to restore SNAP’s foundational goal of promoting wholesome food consumption among America’s vulnerable populations.

As the USDA moves forward, Secretary Rollins reiterates that President Trump is steadfast in his commitment to “Make America Healthy Again,” one dinner table at a time.

Brooke L. Rollins is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.