Virginia to Ban Soda, Energy Drink Purchases with SNAP Benefits

Youngkin speaks on move to prevent SNAP recipients from purchasing 'sweetened beverages'

For the first time, we’re hearing from Governor Glenn Youngkin (R-Virginia) about Virginia’s new “sweetened beverage” ban for SNAP recipients.

Youngkin speaks on move to prevent SNAP recipients from purchasing ‘sweetened beverages’

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- For the first time, we’re hearing from Governor Glenn Youngkin (R-Virginia) about Virginia’s new “sweetened beverage” ban for SNAP recipients.  “I think this will be a component of Virginians being healthier and Americans being healthier,” Youngkin told 8News on Friday.  Per a waiver approved by the USDA, Virginia is moving to prevent SNAP recipients from using their SNAP benefits to purchase any carbonated drinks that ar…

Virginia to ban soda, energy drink purchases with SNAP benefits

Virginia will no longer allow residents to purchase carbonated sweetened beverages using SNAP benefits starting April 1, following approval of a federal waiver.

Virginia removing 'sweetened beverages' from SNAP

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAVY) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved six new state SNAP food-choice waivers, including one submitted by Virginia, under the Make America Healthy Again initiative. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made the announcement on Wednesday. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the [...]

DMV LOCAL REC Virginia SNAP Soda Ban Starts Spring 2026

✕ Big changes are coming to Virginia for families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Starting in the spring of 2026, the state will begin restricting the purchase of sodas and other sugary carbonated drinks with SNAP benefits. This move makes Virginia one of 18 states to have its waiver approved under the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, a federal effort aimed at improving public health. The new rule, set t…