SNAP Healthy Food Updates

New York is committed to promoting the health and well-being of families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). New York has received federal approval to make changes to the SNAP program to promote healthy eating, including an additional $298 payment for families receiving SNAP benefits, which is an important step toward supporting the choice of nutritious foods.

These changes will begin on April 20, 2026.

New York made this change to better align SNAP with its intended purpose: providing low-income households access to a more nutritious diet to help alleviate hunger and combat malnutrition. By excluding soda, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed shelf-stable prepared desserts, New York is taking a proactive step to ensure SNAP benefits are used for more nourishing foods.

Starting April 20, 2026, the $298 supplemental benefit provided under the SNAP program in New York will no longer be eligible for use toward certain categories of goods. These items include:

• Soda
• Energy Drinks
• Candy
• Ultra-processed Prepared Desserts

These restrictions are intended to ensure that funds are used to purchase healthier and more nutritious foods.