North Dakota to limit what can be purchased with SNAP benefits

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR-KFGO) – North Dakota is one of a dozen states limiting what can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins approved North Dakota’s application for a SNAP food-choice waiver under the Make America Healthy Again initiative.

The waivers will amend the statutory definition of “food for purchase” under SNAP beginning in 2026. Gov. Kelly Armstrong says North Dakota will begin implementing the new restrictions by September 2026.

“By investing in healthier food purchases with SNAP, we are taking a proactive step toward becoming the healthiest state in the nation,” Armstrong said. “This waiver will lead to better health outcomes and quality of life for North Dakotans who participate in SNAP.”

Food and beverages that will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits include:

• Soft drinks and energy drinks
• Candy and confections, including cake decorations (edible), chewing gum, breath mints and licorice
• Baking ingredients, including almond bark, marshmallows, baking chocolate (as bars, drops or pieces); chocolate or butterscotch chips
• Chocolate-covered nuts, candy-coated nuts, honey-roasted nuts, caramel apples, trail mix with candy pieces
• Cereal bars (sweetened & without flour) & energy bars containing a “supplemental facts” box.

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides monthly benefits to help families buy groceries. Currently 29,250 North Dakota households are receiving SNAP benefits, totaling 58,570 people. HHS reports, of those households, 42% include a person under 18 years old, 30% include a person 60 years of age or older and 32% include a person with a disability.

“The SNAP waiver encourages North Dakotans to make more nutritious food choices that not only reduce chronic disease rates, but also foster long-term health, vitality, and stronger communities,” said Pat Traynor, commissioner for North Dakota Health and Human Services.

HHS will begin working with SNAP retailers to prepare for the changes that will take effect by September 2026.

Other states that have received approval include Arkansas, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia.

If you have questions about SNAP, visit hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp or contact the Customer Support Center by email at applyforhelp@nd.gov; phone Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, at 866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000, 711 (TTY); or mail to Customer Support Center, P.O. Box 5562, Bismarck, ND 58506. You can also contact a local human service zone office.