Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has signed an executive order seeking to block the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing sodas and candy. The move is part of the initiative led by President Donald Trump’s Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to promote healthier eating under the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) mantra.

The directive still requires approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture before implementation, but Landry expressed confidence that his waiver request would move forward swiftly, given its alignment with the federal health push, according to the Shreveport Times.

“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 to social media. He praised the initiative for offering “a renewed sense of hope to fix food and nutrition for all Americans.”

Alongside the governor’s action, Louisiana legislators are moving forward with proposals that also support Kennedy’s agenda. Senate Bill 14, introduced by Republican Sen. Patrick McMath of Covington, aims to limit sugary drink purchases under SNAP and raise nutritional standards for school lunches. That bill passed through the Senate Health Committee this week.

In a parallel legislation, Senate Bill 117, sponsored by Republican Senator Blake Miguez of Lafayette, would mandate that schools receiving federal or state funding eliminate “ultra processed” foods containing additives such as dyes and seed oils. The measure secured full Senate approval this week.

“This victory ensures our kids get nutritious meals, not junk!,” Miguez posted on X following the vote. “Fighting obesity, improving academic performance & health outcomes. God bless the MAHA Moms across our great nation!”

Landry noted that testimony from both parents and medical professionals during debate over McMath’s bill inspired him to take immediate executive action. “I realized there’s more that we can do, and we can do it now,” Landry said.