Zone board hears state SNAP waiver could curb purchases of candy, soft drinks and marshmallows if FNS approves

The CAS Human Service Zone board was told the state SNAP team submitted a waiver in October to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) that, if approved, would limit allowable SNAP purchases in the state.

The chair (name not stated) described the waiver, saying it would prohibit buying items such as candy, confectionaries, baking ingredients, chocolate, candy‑coated nuts, soft drinks and energy drinks with SNAP benefits. The chair noted the waiver was submitted as part of a rural transformation grant and that the state has not yet heard whether FNS will accept it. If approved, the chair said the restriction would be implemented in July.

On recent operational impacts, the chair reviewed how a federal shutdown affected benefit issuance: benefits were paused on the 1st, partial benefits were issued on the 7th, and the matter was fully resolved on the 12th; staff worked overtime in October to keep applications processing and update systems. The chair warned that implementation of the waiver could affect families served by SNAP as well as vendors, including grocers and convenience stores.

"Marshmallows were on that list, which I found interesting because I'm like, how are you gonna make rice crispy bars? Maybe there's another way," the chair said, highlighting practical concerns for food preparation and vendors.

Board members did not take a formal vote on the waiver; no local policy action was recorded. Staff will monitor state and federal responses and report back when FNS provides a determination.