Strengthening SNAP: A New Era for Nutritional Integrity

(Washington, D.C., December 15, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has shared her vision for the future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in an enlightening opinion piece published in The Hill. This initiative marks a pivotal partnership between the USDA and state governors aimed at enhancing program integrity and nutritional standards.

“At the direction of President Trump, the Department of Agriculture is empowering states with unprecedented flexibility to manage their nutrition programs,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This is a bipartisan commitment from both red and blue states, guiding SNAP back to its primary goal: providing wholesome foods to America’s most vulnerable populations.”

As part of this effort, Rollins recently announced waivers for six states—Hawai’i, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia—allowing them to implement restrictions on the purchase of junk food and sugary drinks through SNAP benefits. This initiative follows similar waivers granted to 12 other states earlier this year, underscoring a growing momentum towards reforming SNAP.

Combatting Chronic Health Issues

The statistics regarding chronic health conditions among American youth present a serious challenge. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 40 percent of the approximately 73 million children (aged 0–17) in the U.S. have at least one chronic health condition. Alarmingly, over 350,000 American children have been diagnosed with diabetes.

This health crisis poses risks not only to individuals but to national security itself. Research indicates that more than 75 percent of American youth (aged 17–24) are ineligible for military service, primarily due to obesity and associated health challenges.

Transforming SNAP for a Healthier Future

With 15.6 million children relying on SNAP—accounting for about 39 percent of all program participants—improving the nutritional aspect of this program is a crucial step toward promoting healthier futures. Historically, sugary drinks were the most commonly purchased items with SNAP benefits, overshadowing healthier options like fruits and vegetables. The current administration, under President Trump, has launched initiatives to change this trend and improve health outcomes across the nation.

Rollins noted the need for states to act as “laboratories of innovation,” advocating for a broader exploration of programmatic options that not only enhance health but also reduce fraud and promote work efforts, ensuring the program remains intact for those most in need.

A Call to Action

In the spirit of former President Ronald Reagan’s words, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table,” Rollins emphasizes that the reformed SNAP will realign its focus on putting nutritious foods on the plates of those who require assistance.

As efforts continue, President Trump and Secretary Rollins are committed to realizing their vision of a healthier America, “one dinner table at a time.” Their focus on nutritional integrity within SNAP is promising, with hopes to see even more states join in this essential initiative.

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

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