SNAP Purchase Restrictions and Food Insecurity in the U.S. | Campus Hunger and Rising Costs

SNAP Purchase Restrictions and Food Insecurity in the U.S.: Campus Hunger and Rising Costs in 2025

SNAP purchase restrictions and food insecurity in the U.S. shape daily life for households across the United States in 2026. Soda and candy bans in 12 states, new work requirements, campus hunger, and local food insecurity spikes point to a growing crisis.

Key facts on food insecurity and SNAP in 2025

• SNAP benefits purchase restrictions now include soda and candy bans in at least 12 states through USDA food restriction waivers.

• Analysts estimate roughly 20% of SNAP spending goes to sugary drinks, desserts, salty snacks, candy, and related items.

• Surveys show around 41% of U.S. college students experience food insecurity in a typical year.

• National polling shows more than one quarter of U.S. adults skip meals or reduce portions because of grocery costs.

• About one in four households in Los Angeles County live with food insecurity, with higher rates in lower income neighborhoods.

• In Milwaukee County, holiday season demand drives higher need for emergency meals and food pantry lines even after SNAP changes.

These figures show how SNAP purchase rules, high prices, and regional pressures connect under one food insecurity story.

What is changing with SNAP purchase restrictions?

USDA now approves SNAP food restriction waivers for a growing list of states. These waivers limit SNAP benefits purchase options for soda, candy, desserts, and other junk food items.

USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Key details:

• At least 12 states hold USDA waivers that restrict soda, candy, sweetened drinks, and related processed foods from SNAP purchases.

• New approvals in 2025 extend junk food bans across states such as Arkansas, Idaho, Utah, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, West Virginia, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska.

• Policy leaders frame these waivers as health focused, pointing to research that lists sugary drinks as the top SNAP purchase category and notes about one fifth of SNAP dollars go to sugary drinks, desserts, salty snacks, and candy.

• SNAP purchase restrictions and food insecurity in the U.S. now intersect in grocery aisles. Healthy food options often cost more and remain harder to reach in many neighborhoods, so tighter rules on purchases raise new risks for low income households.

Major SNAP program overhaul and work requirements

Alongside purchase restrictions, a broader SNAP overhaul reshapes eligibility and work expectations.

Recent federal budget deals and USDA rules:

• Expand work requirements for more adults in the 18 to 54 age range.

• Extend time limits on SNAP for some adults without dependents who do not meet work or training hours.

• Tie projected federal savings to stricter rules that risk lower access to food aid during periods of unstable work or local job loss.

These changes raise the stakes for families already dealing with high food prices and rent burdens. Food insecurity and SNAP benefits purchase restrictions together now shape risk for many workers, including those with hourly shifts and variable schedules.

Student food insecurity on college campuses

Student food insecurity on college campuses mirrors wider food insecurity trends and affects academic success.

Key points:

• National studies report around 41% of college students experience food insecurity, often linked to skipped meals, reduced study focus, and stress over bills.

• First generation students, students of color, and community college students report higher risk in many surveys, reflecting racial and economic gaps.

Campus hunger leads to choices between textbooks and meals, rent and groceries. SNAP purchase restrictions and food insecurity in the U.S. affect students as well as families with children and seniors.

Rising food insecurity in local communities

Food insecurity looks different in each region, while indicators move in the same direction.

Los Angeles County

• Surveys show about one in four households in Los Angeles County live with food insecurity, with higher rates in neighborhoods with low wages and high rent.

Families facing rising costs across the U.S.

• National polling and independent studies report more than one quarter of adults skipping meals or cutting portion sizes because of grocery costs and inflation.

Milwaukee County and holiday hunger

• In Milwaukee County, agencies report a holiday season food insecurity surge, as restored SNAP benefits still do not cover increased grocery costs for many households. Pantries expand pop up distributions and hot meal programs to meet demand.

SNAP purchase restrictions and food insecurity in the U.S. now play out in these local stories, from coastal cities to border regions and Midwest counties.

Our Role: Heritage Foundation USA uses donations for immediate aid and programs like grocery delivery for seniors and school meal support

Our Work

Our impact grows through teamwork. Collaborative efforts between nonprofits, volunteers and donors multiply results.

• Join Local Events: Many food banks and charities hold drives. Participate in or organize one in your town.

• Employer Partnerships: Workplaces can match donations or allow paid volunteer days.

• Community Groups: Churches, schools, and clubs often support food programs. Volunteer or donate through these networks.

• Long-Term Support: Hunger relief doesn’t stop after one day. Consider monthly giving or year-round volunteering for lasting impact.