Virginia delays SNAP restriction on ‘sweetened beverages’ until October 2026

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will still be able to use funds to purchase “sweetened beverages” for several more months, as full implementation of the SNAP healthy food waiver has been delayed.

Initially, recipients were expected to lose the ability to purchase “sweetened beverages” with SNAP funds starting in April 2026, per a Dec. 10, 2025 announcement. The change had been scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, April 1.

However, the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) confirmed in an email sent to 8News that the implementation of said restriction had been delayed, and the full rollout of the SNAP healthy food waiver will now take place in October 2026.

"We expect to provide more comprehensive updates as implementation approaches and would welcome the opportunity to share additional details with you in the coming months to give you a more complete story," the DSS spokesperson said in a statement.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Food and Nutrition Service previously approved the DSS’s request to remove “sweetened beverages” from the list of eligible SNAP purchases.

The restriction, which would have taken effect next month, would have been in effect for two years.

Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) previously told 8News on Dec. 12, 2025 that "this [ban for SNAP recipients] will be a component of Virginians being healthier and Americans being healthier."

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

Under the change, USDA said the specific “sweetened beverages” that will no longer be covered under SNAP in Virginia are sodas, diet and zero sugar sodas, soft drinks and energy drinks.

SNAP recipients will still be able to use funds to buy carbonated water, beverages containing milk, milk products or milk substitutes, mineral water, non-carbonated beverages like iced tea, lemonade, and juice, milk and milk alternatives, even if they are sweetened, as well as infant formula, meal replacement shakes and hydration-focused sports drinks.

DSS has put an alert box on its website and is working with SNAP customers, retailers and community partners to ensure they are fully informed and prepared ahead of this change.