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In a significant policy shift, Ohio has been authorized to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing sugary sodas, following approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This decision marks a notable change in the state’s approach to nutritional assistance.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) received the green light for the waiver, which will officially take effect on October 1, 2026. This waiver will be in place for two years and will include a six-month grace period to allow SNAP retailers to adjust to the new regulations.
The move comes after a comprehensive review conducted in October 2025 by a dedicated working group. This team collected extensive data, consulted with industry experts, and examined the potential effects of such a ban on children’s nutrition before making their case.
For those interested in the detailed findings and recommendations of the working group, the full report is available for review.
You can read the working group’s recommendations report here.
“This waiver that we requested and received through the USDA is a meaningful step toward better health outcomes for Ohioans on food assistance,” said ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. “Today’s news is a result of Governor DeWine asking us to work with experts in nutrition, public health, and food access to find practical solutions that help Ohioans make healthier choices.”
The waiver restricts the use of SNAP to buy beverages that list sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or similar caloric sweeteners as the primary ingredient, or as a second ingredient if the first is carbonated water. This includes most traditional sodas, energy drinks, and other beverages.
Ohio’s waiver ensures that 100% fruit or vegetable juices with no added sugars, milk and milk alternatives, and water remain eligible for SNAP purchases.
The working group noted that many health experts agree that many sugary drinks have little to no nutritional value and are linked to chronic health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
ODJFS said in the coming weeks it will begin working with retailers and SNAP recipients to communicate the changes.
Updated information will be provided through local media, including online and on social media.
In addition to Ohio, Kansas, Wyoming and Nevada received their approvals at the same time.
“If retailers take taxpayer dollars, they must put real food on their shelves,” said U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy. Jr . “SNAP exists to nourish vulnerable Americans—not bankroll the products driving our chronic disease crisis. Today, we are putting nutrition back at the center of SNAP and giving millions of families greater access to real food.”
According to the USDA, 22 states have been approved for SNAP restrictions. And while most include sugary drinks, some states have restricted prepared desserts and candy.
Pennsylvania has not yet submitted any waivers for restrictions, according to the USDA. However, the Commonwealth has pending legislation in the form of a Senate bill, proposed by Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50) and Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), to exclude calorie-dense and nutrient-poor “junk foods” from purchase under SNAP.