Ohio has joined a throng of states that are banning some unhealthy items from being purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) said the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved its request to prohibit the purchase of sugary carbonated drinks through SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, according to Spectrum News.
Why It Matters
SNAP provides monthly grocery assistance to more than 40 million low- and no-income Americans nationwide. In Ohio alone, about 1.3 million people receive benefits.
Ohio’s request comes amid similar efforts in other states to narrow the range of products eligible under SNAP. Several states have received federal approval to restrict certain “junk foods,” generally defined as items high in sugar and fat but low in nutritional value.
What To Know
The move follows recommendations made in September by a work group appointed by Republican Governor Mike DeWine. The panel advised the state to seek federal permission to remove certain sugary beverages from the list of items eligible for purchase under SNAP.
Because SNAP is overseen at the federal level by the USDA, states must obtain approval before making changes to what recipients can buy.
According to the work group, sugary carbonated drinks contribute to obesity, diabetes and hypertension, framing the waiver as part of a broader effort to improve long-term health outcomes for residents receiving food assistance.
In addition to the beverage restriction, the work group outlined several related proposals for Ohio’s SNAP program, including placing compliance responsibility on retailers rather than SNAP recipients, and allowing stores a grace period before facing penalties as they adjust to the new rules.
The group also called for “robust evaluation and monitoring” to assess whether the changes influence health outcomes and shopping habits. Officials suggested investing in programs that reward healthier purchases.
Another recommendation would require a separate waiver request to permit SNAP recipients to buy prepared chicken, such as rotisserie, baked or grilled options that are not breaded or fried.
Among the states where similar rules are already in effect are Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Utah and West Virginia. Other states are awaiting implementation dates in 2026, while some proposals still require approval from state legislatures and governors and may not take effect until 2027, if at all.
The scope of the restrictions also varies, with not every waiver covering the same items. In Texas, the ban scheduled for later this year will include soda, energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts. Louisiana will prohibit purchases of soft drinks, energy drinks and candy. In Colorado and West Virginia, the restrictions are narrower, targeting only soft drinks.
In addition to those already approved, several states are considering similar changes through the legislative process, including Alabama, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Efforts in some states, such as Montana, have failed to secure approval.
What People Are Saying
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder said, according to Spectrum News: “This waiver that we requested and received through the USDA is a meaningful step toward better health outcomes for Ohioans on food assistance. 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.”
What Happens Next
The change is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026.
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