Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has issued an executive order banning the purchase of sodas and candy with food stamps for those on the federal nutrition assistance program SNAP, continuing the state’s full-court press to implement U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
Landry’s order must get approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture before it can be take effect, but the governor believes his request for a waiver will be expedited to meet with Kennedy’s and President Trump’s efforts to improve nutrition.
“I’m committed to working alongside President Trump and Secretary Kennedy to bring the Make America Healthy Again movement to every corner of our state,” Landry, a Republican, said Thursday in a video posted on social media platforms.
He said Trump and Kennedy have created “a renewed sense of hope to fix food and nutrition for all Americans.”
Louisiana lawmakers also are advancing legislation to align with Kennedy’s agenda.
Senate Bill 14 by Republican Sen. Patrick McMath of Covington to restrict sugary drink purchases for those receiving SNAP benefits and increase nutrition requirements for school lunches cleared the Senate Health Committee this week.
Senate Bill 117 by Republican Sen. Blake Miguez of Lafayette to require all schools that receive federal or state funds to eliminate “ultra processed” foods that include chemicals and additives like dyes and seed oils won full Senate approval this week.
“This victory ensures our kids get nutritious meals, not junk!,” Miguez said in a post on X after the Senate approved his bill. “Fighting obesity, improving academic performance & health outcomes. God bless the MAHA Moms across our great nation!”
Landry said he was inspired by testimony from mothers and healthcare professionals during Wednesday’s committee debate on McMath’s bill.
“I realized there’s more that we can do, and we can do it now,” Landry said.
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
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