The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Greg Gianforte submitted a waiver request to restrict the purchase of soft drinks, candy and junk food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Montana.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins joined Gianforte during the announcement.

"The Trump Administration is pleased that Governor Gianforte and Montana stepped up to incentivize healthier options for SNAP recipients, Montana is now the 23rd state to join the Make America Healthy Again initiative and refocus efforts on providing nutritious foods for Americans," Rollins said. "Bringing SNAP back to its core principle of nutrition is common sense and we hope to sign waivers for all 50 states soon, and promote healthy foods for all Americans."

Gianforte said the waiver aligns with efforts supported by President Donald Trump, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and USDA leadership.

"Montana is proud to join 22 other states to ensure taxpayer dollars provide nutritious options that improve health outcomes for those who rely on these crucial programs," Gianforte said.

Charlie Brereton, director of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, said the waiver is intended to reduce consumption of sugary drinks and foods linked to obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

USDA said the waiver request is part of Rollins' "Laboratories of Innovation" initiative, which encourages governors to propose changes to nutrition programs. The department said 23 states have now partnered with USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services on SNAP changes.

According to USDA, approved waivers will take effect in 2026.

This report was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.