New SNAP Restrictions Reduce Convenience Store Participation in 10 States

In early 2026, ten states added federal waivers that barred SNAP benefits from buying sugary drinks, candy, and other prepared foods. A Health Affairs Scholar study found that, compared with states without such waivers, the number of convenience stores authorized to accept SNAP fell 1.4% overall, with the largest decline—2.2%—in states that restricted both drinks and candy. Supermarkets and superstores did not show a significant drop. The changes require retailers to update checkout systems and train staff to enforce the new limits, a potentially burdensome task for small shops. A federal court invalidated similar restrictions in five states on June 22, but waivers in the remaining states remain in force. Beginning November 2026, all SNAP‑participating stores will also need to stock a broader range of staple foods, adding further compliance pressure.