The West Virginia Department of Human Services Bureau for Family Assistance has announced the implementation of West Virginia’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Healthy Choices waiver, a new initiative designed to promote healthier nutrition choices and improve long-term health outcomes for West Virginians. The waiver took effect on Jan. 1.
Approved by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, the SNAP Healthy Choices waiver focuses on encouraging nutritious beverage options by removing soda as an entitlement under SNAP. All food items and many popular beverages will continue to be included as part of the program.
For the purposes of the SNAP Healthy Choices Waiver, “soda” is defined as any carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage that contains water, a sweetening agent (including sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners), flavoring and added carbonation. Only beverages that meet all four criteria will be restricted.
This change does not apply to food purchases. Other beverages, including water, milk, and 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice, remain fully eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
All SNAP-authorized retailers in West Virginia are required to be fully compliant with the new policy by April 1. DoHS will be providing technical assistance to all retailers to ensure a smooth transition.
The soda waiver is approved through Dec. 31, 2027, with an option for the state to request an extension for an additional two years.
For questions regarding the SNAP Healthy Choices waiver, please contact the DoHS Office of Constituent Services at 1-877-716-1212, or email Do****************@**.gov.
