Virginia shifts SNAP rules on soda

(The Center Square) – Virginia won approval this week to try out new SNAP rules that block soda and sweetened energy drinks from being purchased with benefits.

The two-year pilot starts April 1, 2026, after the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the state’s waiver to redefine what counts as an eligible food item.

The change focuses on “sweetened beverages,” which the U.S. Department of Agriculture describes as drinks made with carbonated water and added sugar or artificial sweeteners. That includes soda, soft drinks and most energy drinks.

Virginia’s waiver creates a statewide demonstration project to study how removing sugary drinks from SNAP purchases affects food spending and health outcomes. The approval letter says the commonwealth must train retailers, update checkout systems, and notify SNAP households before the rollout. The agency said the pilot will apply to all SNAP...