Virginia is set to implement a restriction on SNAP purchases of sweetened sodas beginning in 2026, joining a broader federal initiative aimed at enhancing nutrition standards across the country. This decision comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approve waivers for Virginia, among 18 other states, under the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.
Starting April 1, 2026, SNAP benefits in Virginia will no longer cover sweetened carbonated beverages, including sodas, diet sodas, “zero” sodas, soft drinks, pop, and certain carbonated energy drinks that contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup and aspartame. Importantly, the restriction will only apply to these carbonated beverages with added sweeteners, allowing for the purchase of non-carbonated beverages, even if they are sweetened. Options like iced tea, lemonade, juice drinks, chocolate milk, milk alternatives, yogurt drinks, and sports hydration beverages will remain eligible for SNAP.
This move aligns Virginia with states such as Hawai‘i, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as part of a collective effort to amend the statutory definition of “food for purchase” under SNAP. Earlier approvals in states like Arkansas and Idaho have paved the way for this significant nutritional reform, which aims to fortify the health standards of the program.
Before the waiver takes effect, Virginia must fulfill multiple requirements, including developing communication plans for retailers and SNAP recipients, establishing a project budget, and ensuring retailer compliance. The state will also be accountable for providing quarterly reports along with participating in coordination calls with federal officials. The USDA reserves the right to terminate the project should it conflict with the overall goals of SNAP, while Virginia can seek annual extensions based on evaluative results.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the approval alongside HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., underlining this initiative as a significant stride in state-driven reforms to SNAP. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin commended the initiative, relating it to USDA’s supportive stance on state experimentation in nutrition policy. He noted the importance of this reform in strengthening federal nutrition programs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The overarching vision of the waivers emphasized by federal officials is to shift SNAP towards promoting healthier eating habits. Secretary Rollins reiterated the importance of restoring SNAP to its core mission of nutrition, aiming to protect children from the risks of processed foods.
HHS Secretary Kennedy acknowledged the efforts of participating governors to pursue health reforms designed to combat chronic diseases. Additionally, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz described the waivers as a comprehensive strategy to enhance the health of Americans.
This initiative represents a hopeful change toward improved nutrition standards that can potentially lead to better health outcomes for the community, particularly among vulnerable populations reliant on SNAP benefits.