KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee plans to update the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to exclude sodas and include some prepared foods.
The state will seek federal waivers to update the program. According to Lee’s office, the proposed waiver will allow SNAP recipients to purchase hot prepared chicken, including rotisserie and non-fried, non-breaded items like grilled chicken tenders. It will exclude items listing sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or a similar caloric alternative as the primary ingredient and beverages where carbonated water and sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or a similar caloric alternative are the first two ingredients.
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“Tennessee is leading the nation in creating innovative solutions to enhance quality of life, and I’m proud to continue our legacy of responsible fiscal stewardship while also delivering nutritious food choices for hard-working families,” said Lee. “I’m grateful to the Trump Administration for its leadership to Make America Healthy Again, and thank our grocery retailers, convenience stores, food producers, and beverage manufacturers for working to ensure that healthier choices reach every community across our state.”
Tennessee is one of several states that have sought waivers to update their SNAP programs to restrict purchases of “junk food” like soft drinks and candy. As of August, waivers have been approved in 12 states, including Arkansas, Florida and Texas. Previously, the Department of Agriculture rejected waivers, saying there were no clear standards to define certain foods as good or bad. However, this changed on May 19 when Nebraska became the first state to obtain a waiver banning purchases of sugary drinks under SNAP.
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If approved, it is unclear when Tennessee’s restrictions will go into place, but the majority of waivers already approved are set to begin on January 1, 2026…