Healthy SNAP in Florida

As Florida prepares to implement changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through a federal demonstration project, communities across the state are beginning to ask important questions—not just about what is changing, but what those changes will mean in practice.

At Florida Impact, our work is rooted in listening to communities, lifting up lived experiences, and ensuring that families have access to the resources they need to thrive. As this new phase of SNAP unfolds, we are paying close attention to both the policy and the realities on the ground.

What Is Changing Under Healthy SNAP?

Beginning in 2026 through the end of 2027, Florida will participate in a USDA-approved demonstration project that places restrictions on certain SNAP purchases. During this period, SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:

• Soda and energy drinks (including regular, diet, and zero-sugar varieties)

• Candy

• Prepared desserts (ultra-processed, shelf-stable items like packaged snack cakes)

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the purpose of this demonstration is to better understand whether these changes lead to improvements in diet-related health outcomes, shifts in purchasing behavior, and increased nutrition knowledge among SNAP participants.

This marks a notable shift for a program that has historically prioritized flexibility for families making food choices.

What We’re Hearing from Communities

Across Florida, especially in areas with limited access to grocery stores, these changes are raising practical concerns.

In Tampa’s University Area—often described as a food desert—residents frequently rely on nearby dollar stores or small retailers. These stores are often the closest and most accessible option, even if they do not carry a wide range of fresh or healthy foods.

As Letitia Haley Brown (University Area CDC Chief Operating Officer) shared in a recent news report, many families shop based on what is available nearby, not necessarily what they would prefer if given more options. This highlights an important reality: access shapes choice.

Community Leadership in Action

Organizations are already working hard to meet the moment and increase access to healthy food. Beyond starting community gardens, local efforts include:

• Nutrition education classes

• Food drives and distributions

• Partnerships with nearby stores to increase healthy inventory

Community leaders are also exploring ways to introduce SNAP participants to alternative foods that remain eligible, helping bridge the gap between policy changes and everyday decision-making.

The Broader Policy Context

These changes are being implemented at a time when Florida is already navigating significant shifts within SNAP. The state is currently working to manage funding changes associated with HR 1 cuts and urgent efforts to reduce error rates to meet federal USDA requirements.

Together, these factors add new layers of responsibility for the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), a system that has already faced capacity challenges. Retailers are also part of this equation. Industry groups have raised concerns that new restrictions may create additional compliance requirements, particularly for smaller stores that serve as primary food sources in many communities.

What This Means Moving Forward

At Florida Impact, we recognize that policies do not operate in isolation. As Healthy SNAP moves forward, we will be watching several critical factors:

• Access: Are healthier food options available and affordable in all communities?

• Education: Do families have the information and support needed to navigate changes?

• Implementation: How are agencies and retailers adapting to new requirements?

• Community Voice: Are the experiences of SNAP participants being heard and considered?

Access, dignity, and equity should remain at the center of every conversation about food and health.