Economic & Employment Services

SNAP Food Restriction Waiver

In early 2027, Kansas will launch a new SNAP Food Restriction waiver, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under this waiver, SNAP Food Assistance and SUN Bucks benefits can no longer be used to buy candy and soft drinks in Kansas. This is in addition to items already excluded from purchase with SNAP benefits.

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What is the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver?

The SNAP Food Restriction Waiver aims to improve the health and well-being of Kansas SNAP households by enhancing access to nutritious food and supporting healthier lifestyles. Under this waiver, SNAP Food Assistance and SUN Bucks benefits may no longer be used to buy candy and soft drinks in Kansas effective in early 2027.

This change applies to all SNAP households in Kansas. This includes households receiving SNAP Food Assistance and/or SUN Bucks. Retailer participation is mandatory, and no SNAP household may opt out.

When will the purchase restrictions begin?

The SNAP Food Restriction Waiver is a two-year federal pilot that will take effect in early 2027. Kansas will have the option to request an extension.

Which food items will no longer be eligible to purchase with SNAP benefits in Kansas?

Under the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver, candy and soft drinks will no longer be eligible to purchase with SNAP Food Assistance and SUN Bucks benefits in Kansas. Kansas State law defines candy and soft drinks.

In the State of Kansas, "candy" means preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. "Candy" does not include any preparation containing flour and requires no refrigeration.

"Soft drinks" means nonalcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. "Soft drinks" do not include beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes, or beverages that are greater than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.

SNAP benefits can continue to be used to purchase healthy, nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, dairy, seeds and plants for growing food at home, and other staples that support a balanced diet and overall well-being.

How will stores know what can and cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits?

Restricted items will be implemented at the retailer level, and each retailer will be responsible for updating their systems to reflect the newly restricted items.

SNAP-authorized retailers will update their systems so that candy and soft drinks cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. If one of these items is in your shopping cart, the system will prompt you to provide an alternative form of payment for the ineligible item.

Some retailers may also use posters and signs to let customers know which items can or cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits.

Do the restrictions affect every SNAP household regardless of which state issues them?

The SNAP Food Restriction Waiver restricts the purchase of candy and soft drinks from SNAP-authorized retailers in Kansas effective in early 2027. If an individual from another state is in Kansas, they will not be allowed to use SNAP benefits to purchase candy or soft drinks at a Kansas SNAP-authorized retailer.

Do the restrictions apply when SNAP households in Kansas use benefits in another state?

The SNAP Food Restriction Waiver restrictions are specific to purchases made at SNAP-authorized retailers in Kansas. A Kansas SNAP household can use their Kansas Benefits Card (EBT Card) to purchase food items in another state. Other states may have restrictions that limit items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. Refer to the USDA’s SNAP Food Restriction Waivers for more information.

Do these restrictions apply when SNAP households in Kansas use benefits to buy food online?

Yes, the SNAP restrictions apply whether food is purchased online or at a SNAP-authorized retailer in Kansas.

Can SNAP recipients from other states buy candy and soft drinks in Kansas?

SNAP recipients from any other state will not be able to purchase candy or soft drinks from a SNAP-authorized retailer in Kansas, effective in early 2027.

Are there any changes to SNAP eligibility requirements?

No, the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver will not create changes to eligibility for SNAP Food Assistance or SUN Bucks. This initiative will only impact what can be purchased with SNAP benefits in Kansas.

Will SNAP Food Assistance or SUN Bucks benefit amounts be impacted?

No. The SNAP Food Restriction Waiver only restricts the purchase of candy or soft drinks and will not change the amount of SNAP Food Assistance or SUN Bucks benefits a household receives.

How will this information be provided to SNAP households?

SNAP households will receive updates through their DCF Self-Service Portal, text and email messages for those who have opted in, DCF Direct, DCF's social media channels, and SNAP Food Restriction Waiver awareness materials. Additionally, SNAP-authorized retailers in Kansas will receive in-store flyers and digital toolkits to help identify ineligible items, which will be automatically blocked for purchase with SNAP benefits at checkout.

Will SNAP households be contacted to determine the progress and measure outcomes of the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver?

Part of the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver requires Kansas to survey SNAP recipients to determine if the purchase restrictions are leading to healthier food choices. Surveys of SNAP recipients will be completed before and after in Kansas effective in early 2027.

Food Assistance in Kansas

EBT Cards

Kansas EBT Retailer Resources