Safety Net
SNAP
SNAC
safety net advocacy
By
Cindy Huddleston
|
August 6, 2026

Strengthen SNAP: Participating Families Need Adequate Benefits, Not More Restrictions on Groceries

 Executive Summary

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) submitted a formal waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on May 29, 2025, asking that Florida be allowed to prohibit participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from purchasing soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts with SNAP benefits on a pilot basis.[1] Federal law already prohibits SNAP participants from using benefits to buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins and supplements, pet food, and other nonfood items, as well as hot foods, such as rotisserie chicken.[2] DCF’s waiver request was filed administratively without legislative direction from state lawmakers. However, DCF was required to seek USDA’s permission to expand the list of items that cannot be purchased with SNAP because limiting food choice beyond the current ban on hot food and non-food items would violate federal law without a waiver from USDA.[3] 

On August 4, 2025, USDA approved DCF’s waiver request. Florida began to implement these new restrictions statewide for two years beginning on April 20, 2026. Every person participating in Florida’s SNAP program is subject to the ban. According to the terms of USDA’s approval, no SNAP participant in the state will be allowed to opt out. Similarly, all SNAP retailers operating in Florida, including online retailers, are also required to comply with DCF’s recent food restrictions.

Although the purported purpose of these restrictions is to promote a healthier diet, prohibiting SNAP participants from using benefits to purchase certain food and beverages is misguided for several reasons, including:

  • Families participating in SNAP make food choices similar to other households. However, participants would prefer to purchase even healthier items if they could afford those options with monthly SNAP benefits and had transportation to get to affordable stores.
  • Restricting SNAP purchases increases the stigma people participating in the program already face.
  • Implementing the new ban increases the administrative burden and cost on retailers and the state.
  • The expanded ban makes it harder for Floridians with medical conditions participating in SNAP to meet caloric needs or mitigate the side effects of treatment.

The solution to ensuring that participants in SNAP have ready access to healthy food is to both provide benefits that are adequate to feed families for the entire month and incentivize the purchase of fresh produce, not make it harder for families to put food on the table.

Waivers Approved by USDA are Meant to Test Policies for Making SNAP Households Healthier

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the most important anti-hunger program for families with low income in Florida. The program provides eligible Floridians with a modest amount of assistance — an average of $6.08 per person per day — to buy groceries every month.[4] Participants in Florida’s SNAP program include, among others, 1,097,000 children, 707,000 seniors, 296,000 people with disabilities,[5] and approximately 99,000 veterans.[6] In December 2025, SNAP helped over 2.6 million Floridians avoid food insecurity by allowing families to afford a nutritionally adequate diet,[7] which, in turn, improves short- and long-term health, academic performance, and overall well-being[8] while reducing health care costs by an estimated $1,400 per participant every year.[9] Still, SNAP has advantages that extend beyond individual participants. State and local communities where benefits are spent reap significant economic benefits from a strong program — this is because every $1 of SNAP spending generates up to $1.50 or more in economic activity, particularly during economic downturns.[10] In 2023 alone, Floridians participating in SNAP spent nearly $7.2 billion[11] — including at many small businesses.

Rather than improving the well-being of Floridians who use SNAP, the waiver approved by USDA threatens to degrade participants’ short- and long-term health.  

Studies suggest that, while SNAP food restrictions do not make participants healthier, incentives — such as making nutritious food more affordable and easier to obtain — are promising.[12] Even so, USDA is encouraging every state in the country to submit food restriction waiver requests,[13] not urging them to try creative ideas for making healthy food affordable and practicable. USDA is permitted to waive selected federal statutory requirements in the SNAP program on a pilot basis to allow the government to test and evaluate the effectiveness of innovative ideas with an eye towards improving the health outcomes of participants even more. To date, Florida is one of about 22 states that had waiver requests approved by USDA to run food restriction pilot programs beginning in 2026.[14] DCF’s decision to institute food restrictions in lieu of ideas to help participants afford and access healthy food jeopardizes the ability of millions of Floridians to put food on the table at every meal throughout the month. Rather than improving the well-being of Floridians who use SNAP, the waiver approved by USDA threatens to degrade participants’ short- and long-term health.  

Affordability — Not Choice — is the Greatest Barrier to Healthy Eating on a SNAP Budget

SNAP food restrictions are premised on the false trope that people participating in the program make bad choices about what to eat.[15] Contrary to this stereotype, in a USDA study of foods typically purchased by SNAP households,[16] researchers found that SNAP households and non-SNAP households generally purchase similar types of food and beverages.[17]

DCF’s decision to restrict SNAP food choices also ignores the real reason behind a participant’s grocery selections — the cost of putting healthy meals on the table for the entire month, not individual choice of food or shopping behavior, prevents Floridians who use SNAP from improving their diets.[18]

SNAP is not enough to cover the cost of even a modestly priced meal in any county in Florida, much less to put healthy meals on the table for the entire month.

Paying out-of-pocket for grocery items banned from SNAP or using program benefits to purchase individual ingredients to bake these items from scratch is not an option for most SNAP participants, particularly for people with significant medical issues. Many Floridians who have small children, are in school, or have full-time jobs have little free time to devote to cooking meals or snacks from scratch under the best of circumstances. Roughly 75 percent of families participating in SNAP in Florida have income at or below the Federal Poverty Level, while more than one out of six have no income at all.[19] Nearly 1 million Floridians participating in SNAP live on a fixed income.[20]

Although SNAP households scrimp and save by redeeming coupons, buying in bulk, searching for the best deals, and shopping at multiple stores, SNAP benefits are insufficient to consistently put healthy food on the table.[21] Currently, benefits for SNAP participants in Florida average $6.08 a person per day.[22] While SNAP is invaluable in preventing food insecurity[23] and promoting better short-and long-term health among participants, the benefit level makes it difficult to afford nutritious food. Additionally, Florida has higher grocery costs and food inflation compared to other states.[24] Yet, the SNAP benefits of participants in Florida are at the same level as participants in states with lower food costs. Although USDA adjusts SNAP benefits to account for cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments every year, the latest adjustment to SNAP benefits had only a negligible effect on benefits.

SNAP is not enough to cover the cost of even a modestly priced meal in any county in Florida,[25] much less to put healthy meals on the table for the entire month. For example, in Putnam County, which has one of the highest numbers of people living in poverty in the state,[26] a modestly priced meal costs 18 percent more[27] than the SNAP benefit. In St. John’s County, one of the richest counties,[28] that same meal costs 47 percent more than the SNAP benefit.[29](See Figure 1.)

Inadequate SNAP benefits and lack of transportation to shop for healthy groceries — not food choice — were also identified as significant factors affecting healthy eating in a 2022 study sponsored by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. The study explored innovative strategies for strengthening the nutrition and health outcomes of Florida SNAP participants.[30] Fifty percent of Florida SNAP participants who took part in the study reported that the price of nutritious food and low benefit amounts prevented them from being able to buy healthy food. Many noted that they lacked transportation to affordable stores and that SNAP benefits ran out before the end of the month, forcing them to either rely on the limited selection of food provided by area food pantries or purchase cheaper shelf-stable food with less nutritional value. The notion of restricting food choice was seen as an ineffective and unnecessary way to promote healthier eating by the vast majority of participants who took part in the study.[31]

Florida’s New SNAP Restrictions Increase Stigma for Participants

Florida’s expanded restrictions on what items can be purchased with SNAP implies that participants do not know what is best for their families. This is particularly troubling given that people shopping with SNAP benefits already experience significant stigma due to judgement of others[32] based on negative stereotypes about participants in the program.[33] Even though SNAP participants access benefits through EBT cards that look like the credit or debit cards used by non-participants to buy groceries, stigma continues to be a persistent barrier to participation in SNAP. Many report that using SNAP subjects them to unfair blame for their situation, which leaves them feeling embarrassed and devalued.[34]

Singling out SNAP participants at the checkout aisle in the grocery store to scrutinize their intended purchases does not make it easier for families to afford more nutritious food.[35] Instead of helping participants to better access healthy food, the ban does little more than increase stigma for households struggling to make ends meet, diminish a family’s dignity by restricting autonomy, and interfere with a household’s preferences, culture, and dietary needs.[36]

Expanded SNAP Restrictions Create an Administrative Burden and Increased Cost for Both the State and Retailers

For many products, it is not clear from their packaging whether they meet the definition of which groceries are banned from SNAP. (See Appendix for some examples.) As a result, classifying food and beverage items and programming databases to reflect banned food and beverage items is a significant undertaking that is both timely and costly. Additionally, categorizing which items are allowed to be purchased with SNAP is an ongoing burden — not a one-time endeavor — shared by both the state and the 15,148 retailers accepting SNAP in Florida.[37]

On average, supermarkets carry about 31,795 items,[38] although larger stores — such as Publix and Winn-Dixie — usually stock more products than smaller, independently-owned stores do. As many as 600,000 or more products had to be evaluated to determine which are prohibited under the recent ban and which are allowed to be purchased with SNAP.[39] In turn, grocery stores were tasked with changing point of sale systems so that products are appropriately flagged to comply with the ban, and they have to monitor and restrict the items purchased by SNAP participants. On top of this initial effort, DCF and SNAP retailers must constantly add to and update their data banks to reflect the over 30,000[40] new food and beverage items that are introduced in stores every year. This is particularly demanding and costly for the over 12,000 smaller stores that accept SNAP in the state.[41] 

DCF’s waiver also forces retailers who accept SNAP into monitoring and restricting what food goes into the grocery carts of participants. In 2024, almost 2,500 grocers and trade associations, including the Florida Retail Federation and the National Grocers Association, sent a joint letter to Congress asking that lawmakers oppose efforts to restrict SNAP food choice. In that letter, signatories said that if food restrictions are expanded, grocery stores will be forced to intrude into a shopper’s private business without any meaningful benefit to the public health and without regard for a family’s unique medical needs or the resulting spike in food costs.[42] They also noted that part of SNAP’s long-standing success in fighting food insecurity is attributable to the program’s current structure, which makes processing transactions for families simple enough for the program to attract participation by over a quarter-million retailers.

The Waiver Makes It Difficult for Floridians with Certain Medical Conditions to Meet Caloric Needs or Ease Side Effects of Treatment

DCF’s recent restrictions on what foods can be purchased with SNAP make it difficult — if not impossible — for many participants in poor health to have the food or beverages necessary to control side effects of treatment or meet caloric needs. SNAP participants with certain chronic illnesses or genetic disorders may need to purchase high caloric desserts, candy, sugary beverages, or energy drinks to control their condition, reverse weight loss, or manage side effects of treatment.

For example, under DCF’s expanded ban:

  • Floridians with cancer are unable to use SNAP to purchase prepared desserts, sugary drinks like ginger ale, or even mints — foods that many use to stave off weight loss or combat nausea.
  • People who are hypoglycemic, such as those with diabetes, are unable to use SNAP to purchase candy or soft drinks to keep on hand to quickly treat life-threatening episodes of low blood sugar levels, even if they are instructed by their doctors to do so.
  • Children with cystic fibrosis participating in SNAP do not have ready access to high-calorie, high-fat food and beverages to make up for the nutrients they lose because their bodies are unable to absorb life-sustaining nutrients.

These are just a few examples of many items necessary for SNAP participants with chronic conditions that are off limits due to the expanded ban. (See Table 1.)

People dealing with a persistent illness — either their own,[43] that of a child,[44] or another family member’s — are often short on the time and energy needed to devote to both cooking and managing treatment.[45] Additionally, most SNAP households do not have the spare funds needed to buy banned items with their own money. In particular, participants with medical conditions — many of whom have expenses related to out-of-pocket health care costs, specialized rideshare services, grocery delivery, service animals, and assistive technology — are even less likely to have extra income.[46] Paying out-of-pocket for food and beverages recommended by their doctors is not an option, or it will force families to choose between buying food and paying bills for other critical needs, like rent or electricity.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires state agencies, such as DCF, to make reasonable modifications to its policies and procedures in order to accommodate people who have disabilities.[47] Still, despite the need for easy meal and snack preparation and the importance of a high caloric intake for many Floridians with medical conditions, DCF is not allowing anyone to opt out of the new restrictions on foods that can be purchased with SNAP.[48] This potentially affects a significant number of SNAP participants in Florida who already face barriers to food security, including the 296,000 Floridians in the program who have a disability (not including seniors)[49] and many of the 968,000 SNAP households with family members in Florida who may be receiving Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for disability-related issues.[50]

DCF Should Adopt Policies That Promote Affordability and Adequate Benefits Instead of Limiting SNAP Food Choices

DCF should reverse its decision to expand the grocery items that SNAP participants are prohibited from purchasing with benefits. The recent ban demeans and stigmatizes Floridians participating in the program and puts grocery items purchased by SNAP participants under a microscope.

If Florida’s goal is to ensure that participating families can afford a healthy diet all month, the solution is to increase SNAP benefit amounts, address barriers to transportation that many participants face, and incentivize the purchase of fresh fruit and vegetables. Not only would making it easier for participants to afford nutritious food help families be healthier and avoid food insecurity, but it would also help participants with health conditions purchase food and beverages recommended by their doctors.

If Florida’s goal is to ensure that participating families can afford a healthy diet all month, the solution is to increase SNAP benefit amounts, address barriers to transportation that many participants face, and incentivize the purchase of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The expanded ban on SNAP items, which was made administratively without formal state legislation, is not good for Floridians. Using Florida’s SNAP participants as subjects to test policies that are rooted in stereotypes, ideology, or experimental hypotheses will only end up creating new red tape, complicating the program, and increasing food insecurity. Floridians deserve a SNAP program that uses effective strategies to fight hunger and advance better health for everyone. DCF should adopt policies that promote affordability and adequate benefits instead of limiting the choices that struggling families are forced to make just to keep food on the table.

Appendix

Below are examples of situations in which coding products to accurately identify banned grocery items at checkout are difficult or counterintuitive for SNAP retailers:

  • The ban excludes carbonated water that is plain, naturally flavored, greater than 50 percent vegetable or fruit juice by volume, or contains less than five grams of added sugar. This means that Schweppes Ginger Ale is banned because it is a carbonated beverage containing 22 grams of sugar (all in the form of added sugars) per cup[51] while Ocean Spray 100% Cranberry Juice, which does not contain any added sugars,[52] is allowed, even though it contains more sugar than Schweppes — roughly 29 grams of sugar per cup.[53]
  • “Energy drinks" that are marketed to increase alertness or energy are banned if they contain at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per eight fluid ounces, such as Monster and Red Bull. However, Gatorade, and Powerade[54] are excluded from the ban.[55] Coffee, tea, or any “substantially coffee or tea-based beverage” are also excluded from the ban,[56] even though few grocery items are packaged as being “substantially” coffee or tea based, and the waiver does not define the measurement “substantially.”
  • “Prepared desserts” are banned if they are processed, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat, pre-packaged, and designed for immediate consumption without further preparation. Yet, under the Waiver, Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts and toaster strudels remain SNAP-eligible items while Tastykake honey buns and most Entenmann’s products are banned.[57]
  • “Candy” is banned if the product is formed into bars, drops, or pieces and prepared with sugar or artificial sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts, caramels, gummies, hard candies, “or other ingredients or flavorings.” Not only could this definition include nutritious fruit or nut-laden bars with minimal sugar — this may also encompass the occasional heart-healthy dark chocolate bar,[58] even those with significant fiber, little added sugar, and no sodium. For example, under the ban, DCF defines “trail mix” as candy if it includes pieces of candy, even if the product is primarily made up of more heart-healthy food, such as nuts. While granola bars are exempted from the ban, some similar products, such as non-granola KIND bars, would likely meet the definition of a banned candy item,[59] even though they contain substantial nuts, little sugar compared to traditional candy bars, protein, and fiber.[60] 

 

‍

Notes

[1] Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Florida SNAP Food Restriction Waiver,” updated August 6, 2025, https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/waivers/foodrestriction/florida.

[2] Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “What Can SNAP Buy?” updated June 4, 2025, https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items.

[3] 7 C.F.R. § 271.2 (defining what constitutes eligible food that may be purchased with SNAP). See also Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Agency Information Collection: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Demonstration Projects,” April 8, 2024, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/08/2024-07377/agency-information-collection-activities-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-demonstration.

[4] Food Research & Action Center, “Protect SNAP to Reduce Hunger and Strengthen Local Economies in Florida,” May 2025, https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/SNAP_FactSheets_022525_FL10.pdf.

[5] Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2023,” April 2025, https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-FY23-Characteristics-Report.pdf.

[6] Luis Nuñez, “SNAP Helps 1.2 Million Veterans With Low Incomes, Including Thousands in Every State,” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, April 2, 2025, https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/snap-helps-12-million-veterans-with-low-incomes-including-thousands-in.

[7] Florida Department of Children and Families, “ESS Standard Reports: Standard Data Reports: Caseload,” April 24, 2026, https://www.myflfamilies.com/documents/57226.xlsx.

[8] Food Research & Action Center, “The Positive Effect of SNAP Benefits on Participants and Communities,” https://frac.org/programs/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/positive-effect-snap-benefits-participants-communities; Cindy Huddleston and Norin Dollard, “SNAP Matters,” Florida Policy Institute,  https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5cd5801dfdf7e5927800fb7f/627bdd37654866352ece97f7_SNAPOnePager%20(1).pdf.

[9] Todd Datz, “SNAP funding cuts threaten food security, health,” Harvard T.H. Chan, August 21, 2025, https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/snap-funding-cuts-threaten-food-security-health/.

[10] Patrick Canning and Rosanna Mentzer Morrison, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Amber Waves: Quantifying the Impact of SNAP Benefits on the U.S. Economy and Jobs,” July 18, 2019, https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2019/july/quantifying-the-impact-of-snap-benefits-on-the-u-s-economy-and-jobs.

[11] Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “SNAP Retailer Management Year End Summary FY 2023: SNAP Redemptions and Authorized Firms by Region and State: Florida.”, July 10, 2025,  https://www.fns.usda.gov/data-research/data-visualization/snap-retailer-management-dashboard-fy23.

[12] University of Michigan,” Restriction vs. incentives: The complex reality of SNAP food policies,” April 4, 2026, https://sph.umich.edu/news/2025posts/restrictions-incentives-snap-food-policies.html.

[13] Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “During the Great American Farmers Market, Secretary Rollins Removes Unhealthy Food from SNAP,” August 4, 2025, https://www.fns.usda.gov/newsroom/usda-0188.25.

[14] Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “SNAP Food Restriction Waivers,” August 6, 2025, https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/waivers/foodrestriction#floridawaiver.

[15] Danielle M Krobath et al., “Safeguarding SNAP as an Effective Antihunger Program: Myths and Potential Harms of Adding Diet Quality as a Core Objective,” American Public Health Association, January 2025, https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307863.

[16] Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Policy Support, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Foods Typically Purchased By Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Households,” November 2016, https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/ops/SNAPFoodsTypicallyPurchased.pdf.

[17] Food and Nutrition Service, “Foods Typically Purchased By Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Households.” See also Gina Plata-Nino, “SNAP Choice Is the Right Choice-Preventing Harmful SNAP Restrictions,” Food Research Action Center, February 10, 2025, https://frac.org/blog/snap-choice-is-the-right-choice; Katie Bergh, Dottie Rosenbaum and Catlin Nchako, “Republican SNAP Proposals Could Take Food Away From Millions of Low-Income Individuals and Families,” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, January 13, 2025, https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/republican-snap-proposals-could-take-food-away-from-millions-of-low-income; Food Research & Acton Center, “Protect and Strengthen SNAP by Preserving Consumer Choice,” February 2025, https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/Protect-and-Strengthen-SNAP-by-Preserving-Consumer-Choice.pdf..

[18]  Steven Carlson, Joseph Llobrera and Brynne Keith-Jennings, “More Adequate SNAP Benefits Would Help Millions of Participants Better Afford Food,” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, updated July 15, 2021, https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/more-adequate-snap-benefits-would-help-millions-of-participants-better.

[19] Food and Nutrition Service, “Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2023,” Tables B.3 and B. 13.

[20] Food and Nutrition Service, “Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2023,” Table B.6.

[21] Food Research & Action Center, “SNAP Benefits Need To Be Made Adequate, Not Cut Or Restricted,” February 2018, https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/snap-food-choice.pdf.

[22] Food Research & Action Center, “Protect SNAP to Reduce Hunger and Strengthen Local Economies in Florida, May 2025,  https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/SNAP_FactSheets_022525_FL10.pdf.

[23] Caroline Ratcliffe and Signe-Mary McKernan,” How Much Does Snap Reduce Food Insecurity?” Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, April 1, 2010, https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/84335.

[24] Mark Huffman, “The rising cost of groceries by state (2025),” Journal of Consumer Affairs, updated July 10, 2025, https://www.consumeraffairs.com/finance/cost-of-groceries-by-state.html.

[25] The Urban Institute, “Does SNAP Cover the Cost of a Meal in Your County?” updated on July 16, 2025, https://www.urban.org/data-tools/does-snap-cover-cost-meal-your-county.

[26] National Institute of Health, “Social, Economic, & Cultural Environment: Florida Poverty – Table,” https://hdpulse.nimhd.nih.gov/data-portal/social/table?age=001&age_options=ageall_1&demo=00009&demo_options=poverty_3&race=00&race_options=race_7&sex=0&sex_options=sexboth_1&socialtopic=080&socialtopic_options=social_6&statefips=12&statefips_options=area_states.

[27] The Urban Institute, “Does SNAP Cover the Cost of a Meal in Your County?” July 15, 2026, https://www.urban.org/data-tools/does-snap-cover-cost-meal-your-county.

[28] Kristen Carney, “Richest Counties in Florida (2025),” Florida Demographics, August 7, 2025, https://www.florida-demographics.com/richest_counties.

[29]  The Urban Institute, “Does SNAP Cover the Cost of a Meal in Your County?”

[30] Cindy Huddleston, “The Florida Project: Recommendations for Healthy Eating SNAP Pilot Projects,” Florida Policy Institute, April 2022, https://www.floridapolicy.org/posts/the-florida-project-recommendations-for-healthy-eating-snap-pilot-projects.

[31] Cindy Huddleston, “The Florida Project: Recommendations for Healthy Eating SNAP Pilot Projects.”

[32] Richard Pulvera et al., “The association of safety-net program participation with government perceptions, welfare stigma, and discrimination,” Health Affairs Scholar, Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2024, qxad084, https://doi.org/10.1093/haschl/qxad084.

[33] C. Ross Hatton et al., “Food for thought: The intersection between SNAP stigma, food insecurity, and gender,” ScienceDirect, Social Science & Medicine: Volume 361, November 2024, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953624008219?via%3Dihub.

[34] Richard Pulvera, et al., “The association of safety-net program participation with government perceptions, welfare stigma, and discrimination,” National Library of Medicine, Health Affairs Scholars, December 21, 2023, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10986270/.

[35] School of Public Health, “Restriction vs. incentives: The complex reality of SNAP food policies: U-M expert: SNAP food restrictions don't improve health outcomes, while incentive programs show promise,” University of Michigan, April 4, 2025, https://sph.umich.edu/news/2025posts/restrictions-incentives-snap-food-policies.html.

[36] Sohyun Jeong and Jeehyun Lee, “Effects of cultural background on consumer perception and acceptability of foods and drinks: a review of latest cross-cultural studies,” Current Opinion in Food Science, July 4, 2021, https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/a0db6728-b5fc-3a6f-8179-dd130673114c/.

[37] Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “SNAP Retailer Management Year End Summary FY 2023: SNAP Redemptions and Authorized Firms by Region and State: Florida,” July 10, 2025, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data-research/data-visualization/snap-retailer-management-dashboard-fy23.

[38] Food Industry Association, “Food Industry Facts,” 2025, https://www.fmi.org/our-research/food-industry-facts.

[39] National Grocers Association, “Protect SNAP Choice,” April 2024, https://www.nationalgrocers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-NGA_Issue-Brief_SNAP-CHOICE-1-1.pdf.

[40] Food & Beverage Magazine, “2025 CPG Awards Launch: Food & Beverage Magazine Celebrates Excellence in Shelf-Stable Innovation,” https://www.fb101.com/2025-cpg-awards-launch-food-beverage-magazine-celebrates-excellence-in-shelf-stable-innovation-2/.

[41] National Grocers Association, “NGA and Feeding America Hold Congressional Briefings on the Importance of Maintaining SNAP Choice,” September 19, 2024, https://www.nationalgrocers.org/news/nga-and-feeding-america-hold-congressional-briefings-on-the-importance-of-maintaining-snap-choice/. Approximately 80 percent of SNAP retailers nation-wide are smaller business such as farm stands and private groceries. Ed Bolen and Elizabeth Wolkomir, “SNAP Boosts Retailers and Local Economies,” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, May 28, 2020, https://www.cbpp.org/research/snap-boosts-retailers-and-local-economies.

[42] Letter to Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Johnson, and Minority Leader Jeffries from National Grocers Association and 2,472 business and trade association, February 20, 2024, https://ci.criticalimpact.com/user/31823/image/2024-02-13_NGA_Member_SNAP_Choice_Letter__1_.pdf

[43] Nadia Jaber, “Treating the Whole Person: How Cancer Centers Are Addressing Social Needs,” National Cancer Institute, July 18, 2024, https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2024/cancer-disparities-transportation-food-housing; Saint Luke’s, “Help with Home Life and Beyond During Cancer Treatment,” https://www.saintlukeskc.org/specialties-services.

[44] Anna Lewandowska. “The Needs of Parents of Children Suffering from Cancer-Continuation of Research,” January 23, 2022, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8870376/.

[45] CSI, “5 Ways to Manage Chronic Illness Burnout,” 2022, https://www.csl.com/we-are-csl/vita-original-stories/2022/5-ways-to-manage-burnout. See also Anna Lewandowska, “The Needs of Parents of Children Suffering from Cancer-Continuation of Research.

[46] American Cancer Society, “The Costs of Cancer for People with Limited Incomes,” October 19, 2022, https://www.fightcancer.org/policy-resources/costs-cancer-people-limited-incomes-0.

[47] U.S. Department of Justice, “ADA Update: A Primer for State and Local Governments,” updated: February 28, 2020, https://www.ada.gov/resources/title-ii-primer/.

[48] The terms and conditions of DCF’s Waiver state that, “No SNAP household in Florida may opt out of the SNAP eligible food restrictions project.” Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Florida SNAP Food Restriction Waiver,” updated August 6, 2025, https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-foodrestrictionWaiverApproval-florida.pdf.

[49] Food and Nutrition Service, “Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2023,” Table B.15.

[50] Food and Nutrition Service, “Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year 2023,” Table B.6.

[51] Keurig Dr. Pepper, “Schweppes® Ginger Ale: Nutrition Facts,” https://www.kdpproductfacts.com/product/a0e3h000003LK6HAAW/schweppes-ginger-ale-8-fl-oz-us.

[52] Ocean Spray, 100% Juice Blend Cranberry, https://www.oceanspray.com/products/100- juice-blend-cranberry-64-oz.

[53] H-E-B, “Ocean Spray 100% Cranberry Juice Blend,” https://www.heb.com/product-detail/ocean-spray-100-cranberry-juice-blend/1446218; Time, “5 Juices With More Sugar Than Soda,” May 18, 2014, https://time.com/103898/5-juices-with-more-sugar-than-soda/.

[54] Department of Children and Families, Healthy SNAP: SNAP Healthy Choices Retailer Operational Handbook, Version 1.0, https://healthysnap.myflfamilies.com/retailer/HealthySNAPRetailerOperationalHandbook.pdf.

[55] Department of Children and Families, “Healthy SNAP Florida: SNAP Healthy Food Recipients: What is considered soda?” https://healthysnap.myflfamilies.com/recipient/index.html.

[56] Department of Children and Families, “Healthy SNAP Florida: SNAP Healthy Food Recipients: What is considered soda?”

[57] Department of Children and Families, “Healthy SNAP: SNAP Healthy Choices Retailer Operational Handbook.”

[58] Kris Gunnars, “7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate,” Healthline, updated May 7, 2025, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate.

[59] Department of Children and Families, Healthy SNAP: SNAP Healthy Choices Retailer Operational Handbook.”

[60] KIND, Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, https://www.kindsnacks.com/products/thins/dark-chocolate-nuts-sea-salt.

Re-employment Assistance (RA)

American Rescue Plan Act Changes. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 extended PEUC and PUA benefits through the week ending September 6, 2021. It also increased the maximum duration of PEUC benefits ($300 a week) to 53 weeks and the maximum duration of PUA to 79 weeks. Although PEUC and PUA did not end until September 6, 2021, Florida withdrew from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC) effective June 26, 2021. FPUC provided persons who were out of work due to COVID-19 with an additional $300 a week in unemployment insurance.

Reemployment Assistance weeks reverted to 12 effective January 1, 2022. DEO determines the maximum number of weeks available to RA claimants based on a statutory formula that looks at the average unemployment rate for the most recent third calendar year quarter (i.e., July, August, and September). Based on the downturn in unemployment, the maximum number of weeks for RA reverted to 12 effective January 1, 2022.

RA work-search and work registration requirements reinstated on May 30, 2021. Persons filing an application for RA benefits beginning March 15, 2020, are not required to complete work registration in Employ Florida through May 29, 2021. In addition, work search requirements for individuals requesting benefits for the weeks beginning March 15, 2020, were also reinstated on May 30, 2021.

RA biweekly reporting requirements reinstated. Although previously waived, biweekly reporting was reinstated effective May 10, 2020. DEO’s guide to claiming weeks is here.

Mobile app deployed. DEO has deployed a mobile app for RA applications.

‍DEO announces extended benefits. DEO announced implementation of Extended Benefits (EB).

Resources and guidance. For a list of resources and guidance from the United States Department of Labor on unemployment insurance and COVID-19, go here.

For DEO’s “Reemployment Assistance Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Resources,” updated 12/30/2020, go here.

For DEO’s latest claims data, go here.

‍

Department of Children and Families (DCF) Multi-Program Policies

DCF opens offices. DCF has reopened its brick-and-mortar storefronts, which were previously closed  due to coronavirus.

DCF adds call center numbers. DCF has added a call center number for Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call center numbers now include 850-300-4323, 866-762-2237, or TTY 1-800-955-8771.

Certification periods extended by 6 months only through August 2020. Certification periods for cash, food and medical assistance were extended by 6 months for individuals and families scheduled to recertify in April through August  2020. FNS’ approval of the SNAP extension for August is here.  However, effective September 1, 2020, SNAP, TANF and Medicaid recertifications have been reinstated, although DCF says that no one will lose Medicaid due to recertification.

‍DCF allows phone interviews. Phone interviews are now being used for TANF cash and SNAP food assistance.

Mandatory work requirements suspended only through May 2021. Under a directive from Governor DeSantis to waive work requirements for safety net programs, DCF  waived work requirements for individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) through May 2021. To do this, DCF explains that it partnered with the Department of Economic Opportunity to apply “good cause” statewide for TANF and SNAP recipients who would otherwise be subject to participation in mandatory work requirements as a condition of receiving those benefits. Through May 2021, persons who were sanctioned in the past due to work requirements will be able to reapply and participate in SNAP or TANF again.
‍

Work requirements were reinstated effective June 1, 2021.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Emergency allotments (EA) ended. DCF automatically supplemented SNAP allotments of current recipients up to the maximum for a household’s size for July 2021. However, EA was discontinued beginning August 1, 2021.

The SNAP benefits increase by 15 percent ended in October 2021. Floridians who participate in SNAP to put food on the table will receive a temporary 15 percent supplement to SNAP under COVID relief passed by Congress and extended by the American Rescue Plan Act through September 2021.

FNS permanently increases SNAP through revamp of the Thrifty Food Plan. Effective October 2021, FNS has mandated a permanent increase to SNAP through a revamp of the Thrifty Food Plan. DCF says that the increase amounts to about 6% for Floridians.

Time limits suspended. SNAP time limits are suspended during the COVID-19 public health emergency. No one in Florida should be barred from SNAP due to time limits, even if they exhausted their time limit in the past.

Florida granted waiver to allow families to purchase groceries online. DCF has been granted a federal waiver to permit the State of Florida to launch a pilot project statewide effective April 21, 2020, that allows families to purchase groceries online with their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card instead of going into stores.

  • At present, participating retailers are Walmart, Amazon, Aldi, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Publix. DCF cautions, however, that EBT cards cannot be used for delivery fees.

‍

Medicaid

No Medicaid terminations from March 2020 through the end of the federal public health emergency. The national public health emergency has existed since January 27, 2020 and has been renewed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in 90-day increments since that time. The most recent renewal is effective January 16, 2022.

On March 31, 2020, AHCA alerted providers and DCF posted on the ACCESS website that:

  • No Medicaid recipient will lose Medicaid eligibility during the COVID-19 public health emergency (unless the individual is no longer a state resident or request voluntary termination); under the newly enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a state is prohibited from ending coverage for recipients enrolled as of March 18th for the duration of the public health emergency if the state opts to obtain an enhanced federal Medicaid match.
  • AHCA is working to notify recipients who may have received a termination notice in the month of March that their benefits will be reinstated.
  • An FAQ released by federal CMS provides some examples of Medicaid eligibility groups  protected under these "no termination" requirements including: former foster care youth aging out when they turn 26; youth aging out of children's eligibility when they turn 19; individuals who become ineligible for SSI; individuals no longer qualifying for Qualified Medicare Benefits (QMB). In a May 5, 2020 update, CMS states that this “no termination” requirement also applies to medically needy individuals determined eligible during the public health emergency even if they do not continue to meet their monthly share of cost in subsequent months. This protection extends through the last day of the month the public health emergency ends.  
  • On October 28, 2020, federal CMS issued a new interim final rule weakening the continuous coverage, “no termination” requirement. In states like Florida that have opted to cover full benefits for lawfully residing children in the first 5 years after entry into the United States, once they turn 18, states are now required to limit their coverage to emergency services.  In addition, states are now permitted to reduce optional benefits such as dental coverage or increase cost-sharing such as requiring nursing home residents to contribute more to their costs of care. But in Florida this type of change would require the Legislature to amend state Medicaid law.  

Redetermination/recertification times are reinstated. As of October 1, 2020 AHCA's website is alerting recipients that the Department of Children and Families is now mailing letters for case reviews to check if a household is still eligible for Medicaid and/or Medically Needy. AHCA is urging people receiving these letters to take steps now to re-apply. But note, Medicaid coverage will not end during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. In January 2021 DCF conducted one-year “automated renewals” for people whose sole income is social security and SSI and are enrolled in an SSI-related Medicaid program (e.g., MEDS/AD,  Medically Needy and Medicare Savings Programs). People getting VA income were not included in the automated renewal.

Extended application time. Effective with applications filed in February 2020, the time for submitting documentation required to process an application is extended for 120 days from the date of the application and eligibility will still be effective the first day of the month the application was received. Effective July 1, 2021, this policy has been rescinded. Medicaid applications submitted on or after July 1, 2021 may be denied on the 30th day after application or the day after verification information is due. Applications filed prior to July 1, will be allowed 120 days to provide requested verification to establish Medicaid eligibility.

‍Exclusion of additional unemployment payments in determining eligibility. The $600/week of additional unemployment insurance payments under the CARES Act will not be counted as income in determining Medicaid eligibility. (However, these payments will be counted as income in determining marketplace subsidy calculations.)

Coverage of Medicaid services during the state of emergency

  • Coverage of all medically necessary services to COVID-19 testing and treatment.
  • Waiver of limits on services that must be exceeded to maintain the health and safety of recipients diagnosed with COVID-19 or when necessary to maintain a recipient safely in their home
  • Waiver of prior authorization requirements for hospital, physician, advanced practice registered nursing, physician assistant, home health services and durable medical equipment and supplies. As of June 19, 2020, AHCA reinstated prior authorization requirements for all of these services.
  • Waiver of copayments for all services
  • Waiver of limits on early prescription refills, except for controlled substances
  • Coverage of a 90-day supply of maintenance prescriptions when available at the pharmacy
  • Reimbursement of out-of-state providers providing medically necessary services to Florida Medicaid beneficiaries. As of July 1, 2021, the availability of provider “provisional enrollment” for in-state and out-of-state providers will end.
  • Delay of fair hearings only in those instances when the recipient is continuing to receive services pending the outcome of the hearing

COVID-19 Vaccines for Medicaid Enrollees. In an executive order published March 16, 2021 Governor DeSantis revised the vaccine distribution plan, which applies to the general public including Medicaid enrollees, to lower the age requirement to 40 effective March 29, 2021 and then effective April 5, 2021 all Floridians are eligible to receive any COVID-19 vaccination approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Medicaid enrollees eligible to receive the vaccine may visit myvaccine.fl.gov to find a location distributing the vaccine and to schedule an appointment.

On March 12, 2021, AHCA published instructions for Medicaid enrollees on how to obtain Medicaid transportation once they have scheduled an appointment for a vaccine. AHCA states: "Florida Medicaid will take you to get the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. All you need to do is set up a time to get your vaccine. Next, let your Medicaid plan know you need a ride and they will take care of the rest. If you are not enrolled in a plan, call the Medicaid Helpline at 1-877-254-1055 to find out the name and phone number for a transportation service."

The state has also recently launched a new email system to help bring COVID-19 vaccines to homebound seniors. Seniors will be able to sign up to have the vaccine come to them by emailing a request to HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com.

AHCA has posted Medicaid Alerts and FAQs providing more detail on Medicaid service changes in response to COVID-19. They address a wide range of topics including, but not limited to: telemedicine guidance for medical, behavioral health, and early intervention services providers; long-term care provider network flexibilities allowing more types of providers to deliver specified long term care services; and continuity of care for adult day care center enrollees during the time these centers are closed.

AHCA is loosening coverage restrictions for behavioral health services. Effective May 5, 2020, all prior authorization requirements for mental health or substance use disorder treatment are waived and service limitations (frequency and duration) are lifted. For behavioral analysis services, current authorizations will be extended through an "administrative approval process" which does not require providers to reassess beneficiaries currently getting services. Effective July 1, 2021 service limits will be reinstated for behavioral health services and effective July 15, 2021 Medicaid prior authorization requirements will be reinstated for behavioral health services.

Per a May 29, 2020 provider alert, during the state of emergency AHCA will be reimbursing providers for telemedicine well-child visits provided to children older than 24 months through age 20. Providers are directed to actively work to schedule follow-up in-person visits to administer immunizations and other physical components of the exam which cannot be accomplished through telemedicine.  

The public charge rule will not be applied to immigrants’ use of Medicaid benefits for COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Coverage of home and community-based waiver services (HCBS) - In response to the public emergency, Florida obtained approval from the federal government to make changes in HCBS waiver programs, including the Long Term Care and Developmental Disabilities programs. The changes are effective retroactively from January 27, 2020 to January 26, 2021. Details can be found here. They include, but are not limited to:

  • permitting virtual evaluations, assessments and care planning meetings in lieu of face to face meetings and use of electronic signatures;
  • lifting service limits in order to address health and welfare issues of enrollees;
  • adjusting service prior authorization requirements;
  • temporarily expanding the settings where services can be provided;  
  • allowing payments for support services provided to enrollees in hospital or short- term institutional settings; and
  • prohibiting visitors in certain residential settings to minimize the spread of infection.

Note on COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines for the uninsured. Florida has not opted to receive 100 percent federal Medicaid funding for COVID-19 testing of people without health insurance. Under the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act this option has been expanded to cover COVID-19 treatment and vaccines for the uninsured as well. Since the state has not taken up this option Floridians must look to an uneven patchwork of free testing, treatment, and vaccine resources scattered around the state. AHCA advises that uninsured people may receive free testing from their county health department or a federally qualified health center and that “many communities provide testing for free for individuals who do not have insurance. Please [click here] to find a test site in your area. Uninsured individuals should ask before the test whether testing is free of charge." There are no state agency instructions on where uninsured people can receive free treatment. However, more information on possible sources for free treatment is available here.

Residency proof no longer required at some vaccine sites, “paving the way for migrants.” - On April 29, 2021 Surgeon General Rivkees issued a new public health advisory specifying that COVID-19 vaccines are available to “a Florida resident” or someone “who is present in Florida for the purpose of providing goods or services for the benefits of residents and visitors of the State of Florida.” This new policy applies to all state-run and federally supported vaccination sites. It rescinds an advisory issued in January that had restricted vaccinations to people who could show proof of Florida residency

2021 unemployment compensation claimants can access free or reduced cost health insurance through the ACA marketplace. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace was re-opened in February 2021 to give people who need health insurance a new “special enrollment" opportunity to get covered. The 2021 American Rescue Plan eliminated or vastly reduced premiums for many people with low or moderate incomes.

Starting July 1, 2021, people who received or have been approved for unemployment compensation for any week beginning in 2021 can access free or reduced cost comprehensive health insurance plans through the ACA marketplace. This benefit is available regardless of someone's current income. To get this benefit, people must enroll in the marketplace no later than August 15, 2021. For help with enrollment, contact Covering Florida at 877-813-9115.

Child Nutrition Programs

School children in distance learning still eligible for free or reduced cost meals. Students in distance learning for  2020-21 can still receive school meals through the National School Lunch Program if they are eligible. The student or parent/guardian may pick up meals at the school but should contact their school for more information.

For a list of current child nutrition program waivers for Florida from USDA, go here.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Congress allows increased fruit and vegetable benefits. At present, WIC provides $9 for children and $11 for women monthly for fruits and vegetables. The American Rescue Plan Act makes funding available for a four-month increase in the benefit of up to $35 monthly, if a state chooses to do so.

DOH attains waiver allowing remote issuance: Department of Health (DOH) obtained a waiver of the requirement that participants pick up their EBT cards in person at recertification or during nutritional education appointments.

‍WIC participants allowed to substitute certain food. Under a waiver from USDA, WIC participants in Florida are allowed to substitute milk of any available fat content and whole wheat or whole grain bread in package sizes up to 24 oz. when 16 oz. packages are unavailable.

‍USDA waived physical presence requirements: Although the scope and logistics are unclear at this time, USDA has given DOH permission to waive the requirement that persons be physically present at each certification or recertification determination in order to determine eligibility under the program through May 31, 2020.

USDA extends certification periods through May 31, 2020, for some participants.

For a list of current WIC waivers for Florida from USDA, go here.


Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

HHS provides guidance. HHS has issued guidance on the flexibilities in TANF to respond to COVID-19.

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