Can you cross state lines to buy soda and candy with SNAP?

Yes, your SNAP works in other states, but the rules of the state where you shop will apply.

So if your state has placed food restrictions on “ junk foods” like chips, soda, or candy, you can still buy them with your SNAP benefits in a state that hasn’t banned those items.

In other words, your home state’s rules don’t follow you or your EBT card; only the SNAP rules of the state where the store is located matter.

Here’s how SNAP works across state lines and what it means for you if you want to buy items that are banned in your state.

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How does SNAP work across state lines?#how-does-snap-work-across-state-lines

SNAP is a federal program, so your EBT card works in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can use SNAP at any store that accepts it, even if you’re traveling or shopping outside of the state that issued you the benefits.

But because SNAP is administered at the state level, what you can buy depends on the rules where you’re shopping. For example, in Florida, starting on April 20, 2026, you can no longer use your SNAP benefits to buy candy, soda, energy drinks, or prepared desserts.

But you can travel to a state without these bans and still buy them with SNAP, so if you live near the Georgia border, stores in that state will allow you to buy candy and soda with your SNAP benefits. And you won’t get in trouble with your own state for buying soda somewhere else.

Before shopping out of state, it’s a good idea to check local SNAP rules because an item you want, like soda, might also be banned in that state.

If an item you want is banned from SNAP, you can still buy it using cash, debit, credit, or TANF.

Which states have “junk food” bans?#which-states-have-junk-food-bans

As of January 2026, 18 states have or are planning to put SNAP purchase restrictions in place, limiting what you can buy with your SNAP benefits. But more states may follow.

If you live in one of the following states, or you are traveling to one of these states, your EBT purchase might be declined at checkout when you try to buy a banned item.

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