By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
October 22, 2025 2:02 AM EDT
Medical Herald
Search
  • Health Conditions
    Health ConditionsShow More
    New Protein Strategy Offers Hope Against Neurodegenerative Diseases
    Health Conditions
    AI Technology Uses Tongue Color to Predict Health Issues
    Health Conditions
    HealthTap Collaborates with Lilly for Diabetes Care Access
    Diabetes News
    Amanda Balionis Shares Lessons from Health Struggles
    Health Conditions
    Cat’s Crying Leads to Surprising Vet Diagnosis
    Health Conditions
  • Wellness & Self-Care
    Wellness & Self-CareShow More
    Parent Seeks Help After Son Faces Relentless Bullying
    Mental Health
    Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle in Santa Clarita Valley
    Healthy Living
    Managing Anxiety Before Medical Procedures: Alternatives Explored
    Mental Health
    Tomorrow x Together Collaborates with UNICEF on Mental Health
    Mental Health
    Kimchi: A Spicy Superfood for Heart Health With Caution
    Heart Health
  • Nutrition & Fitness
    Nutrition & FitnessShow More
    The Vitamin Over 50s Should Avoid, According to Experts
    Nutrients & Supplements
    Grab Walmart’s Home Gym for $290—Save Over $1,000!
    Fitness Trends & Tech
    Marian Burros’ Iconic Plum Torte Recipe Makes a Timeless Comeback
    Healthy Recipes
    Cozy Fall and Winter Soup Recipes to Savor
    Healthy Recipes
    Doctors Urge Caution on Excessive Supplement Use
    Nutrients & Supplements
  • Innovation
    InnovationShow More
    Sam’s Club Offers Affordable Ozempic, Wegovy for Weight Loss
    Drugs & Medications
    Annual COVID Vaccines Essential for Severe Disease Protection
    Drugs & Medications
    Covid Booster Shots: Are They Necessary for Younger Adults?
    Drugs & Medications
    Exploring Bidirectional Inheritance in Digital DNA Systems
    Innovation
    Amazon Introduces Prescription Kiosks at One Medical Clinics
    Innovation
  • News
    NewsShow More
    Michigan’s Top Children’s Hospital Celebrates 19 Years of Excellence
    News
    SCV Food Pantry Marks 40 Years of Community Service
    News
    J&J Ordered to Pay $966 Million in Talc Baby Powder Case
    News
    New Diagnostic Facility Opens in Oxford to Enhance Cancer Care
    News
    HealthTap Collaborates with Lilly for Diabetes Care Access
    Diabetes News
Font ResizerAa
Medical HeraldMedical Herald
  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness & Self-Care
  • Nutrition & Fitness
  • Innovation
  • News
Search
  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness & Self-Care
  • Nutrition & Fitness
  • Innovation
  • News
Follow US
Copyright © 2025, Medical Herald. All Rights Reserved.
Home » Wellness & Self-Care » Healthy Living » Missouri Seeks Waiver to Ban Unhealthy Foods in SNAP Program

Missouri Seeks Waiver to Ban Unhealthy Foods in SNAP Program

By Grace Feldman
Published: October 1, 2025
Share

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The state of Missouri is taking significant steps to amend its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by applying for a waiver aimed at eliminating “unhealthy” foods from the program. This announcement was made on Monday by the office of Governor Mike Kehoe.

In a move to enhance the nutritional quality of food purchased with SNAP benefits, Governor Kehoe issued an executive order directing the state’s Department of Social Services to submit the waiver. Missouri now joins a growing list of states, including Iowa, Colorado, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia, that have sought similar measures.

The push to amend SNAP comes in response to concerns about the health implications of certain food items. Many states are targeting items such as soda, candy, chips, and other products that are often categorized as unhealthy. This initiative reflects a broader trend among states looking to reform how public benefits are utilized to promote healthier diets among recipients.

In the press release, Kehoe emphasized the importance of fostering healthy families in Missouri, stating, “Healthy and nutritionally secure Missouri families are critical to supporting a path to self-sufficiency and, ultimately, a thriving state.”

Kehoe’s remarks align with a national dialogue about food assistance programs. His administration cites the urgent need to ensure that taxpayer dollars are effectively used to encourage the purchase of nutritious food. Currently, Missouri dispenses approximately $1.5 billion annually in SNAP benefits, a significant investment aimed at aiding families in need.

The governor’s office believes that refocusing SNAP on nutritious food options will not only improve the health of its recipients but also support the state’s agricultural sector. “With approximately $1.5 billion in annual SNAP benefits issued in Missouri, we must refocus our SNAP program to maximize nutritional health for families while also supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state,” added Kehoe.

This initiative to reduce unhealthy food options within SNAP is rooted in public health research that links poor dietary choices to chronic health conditions including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Advocates argue that by restricting access to junk food in SNAP, families will be encouraged to make healthier choices, potentially leading to a reduction in these health issues.

However, as with many policy changes, there is a spectrum of opinion regarding this potential waiver. Supporters assert that limiting unhealthy food purchases via SNAP is a proactive measure in combating public health crises; critics, on the other hand, express concerns about the implications for low-income families who may already struggle to afford nutritious food. They argue that this could unintentionally stigmatize food assistance recipients or limit their autonomy in food choices.

The debate over what constitutes “unhealthy” food can also be contentious. Food options that some deem unhealthy could be seen by others as acceptable based on personal preferences or cultural significance. This complexity adds another layer to the conversation surrounding SNAP and public health policy.

While the waiver application moves forward, the governor’s office has stated it will engage in discussions with various stakeholders, including health experts, advocacy groups, and community members, to gather input and shape the implementation of these changes.

It remains to be seen how these proposed changes will unfold in Missouri and the potential impacts on SNAP recipients across the state. Yet, Governor Kehoe’s administration is resolutely focused on creating a healthier future for Missourians, which may mean significantly changing how SNAP benefits are utilized.

As states across the nation continue to explore similar initiatives, the outcomes of Missouri’s endeavor could offer valuable insights into the complexities of food assistance programs and their role in shaping public health.Nutrition & Diet

TAGGED:SNAP Program
Share This Article
Facebook LinkedIn Email Copy Link
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HOT NEWS

New Protein Strategy Offers Hope Against Neurodegenerative Diseases

October 21, 2025

The Vitamin Over 50s Should Avoid, According to Experts

Experts warn adults over 50 to avoid excessive Vitamin A and B6 supplements, citing risks…

October 21, 2025

Sam’s Club Offers Affordable Ozempic, Wegovy for Weight Loss

Sam’s Club launches $499 pricing for Ozempic and Wegovy, expanding access to weight-loss meds and…

October 21, 2025

Annual COVID Vaccines Essential for Severe Disease Protection

A new study reveals COVID boosters cut deaths by 64% and hospitalizations by 39%, offering…

October 21, 2025

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Essential Exercises for Bone Health After 50

After 50, bone loss accelerates—but resistance training, planks, and squats can help preserve strength and prevent fractures, experts say.

October 14, 2025

Younger Europeans Turn Away from Alcohol for Health and Taste

A Circana report finds younger Europeans are drinking less, choosing non-alcoholic drinks for health and taste as wellness trends reshape…

October 13, 2025

102-Year-Old Yoga Teacher Inspires with Ageless Wisdom

On a cloudy Wednesday evening in mid-September, 102-year-old Charlotte Chopin stood at the forefront of her yoga class, a position…

October 1, 2025

Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle in Santa Clarita Valley

From outdoor fitness to mindful rest, Santa Clarita locals can achieve balanced wellness by embracing movement, nutrition, and community engagement.

October 21, 2025

Medical Herald is your trusted source for medical news, scientific research, health policy updates, and expert insights from around the world. 

Category

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness & Self-Care
  • Nutrition & Fitness
  • Innovation
  • News
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact

Follow US: 

  • Grow Big Agency Sites:
  • London Business Journal
Copyright © 2025, Medical Herald. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?