Candy and Soda Still Safe—for Now: Colorado Backs Off SNAP Crackdown
Colorado SNAP recipients won’t see any changes at the checkout line—for now.
The Colorado Department of Human Services announced that the state will not move forward with a previously approved waiver that would have restricted the use of SNAP benefits on items like soda, candy, and other sugary foods. That means participants can continue using their benefits as usual, with no immediate changes at stores.
Colorado had been among several states approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to test restrictions on certain “unhealthy” purchases through SNAP. While a handful of states have already begun rolling out similar limits this year, Colorado officials confirmed the rule will not take effect this month.
The proposed restrictions were part of a broader national push from federal health and agriculture leaders aimed at reshaping what qualifies for SNAP purchases, but for now, Colorado is opting not to implement those changes.
