COLUMBUS, Ohio — The United States Department of Agriculture has approved a request allowing Ohio to prohibit the purchase of sugary carbonated drinks with SNAP (food stamps) benefits.
The move follows a similar waiver previously granted to West Virginia.
Under the change, SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy drinks where sugar is the main ingredient, or the second ingredient if the first listed ingredient is carbonated water.
The restriction will take effect October 1. At that point, Ohio SNAP recipients will no longer be able to use their benefits to purchase sugary carbonated beverages.
Officials say the waiver from the USDA allows the state to place limits on certain products eligible for purchase through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
