CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) -- People in the Mountain State will no longer be able to buy soda with SNAP starting January 2026.

According to a press release, the West Virginia Department of Human Services’ (DoHS) Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) has received federal approval for soda to not be able to be bought using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting on January 1, 2026.

The press release stated that regular soda, diet soda, and zero-calorie soda are included in the restriction, however, water, juice, milk, and energy drinks will not be affected.

The approval of West Virginia’s SNAP Healthy Choices Waiver reflects our commitment to prioritizing health outcomes and responsible stewardship of public resources.

This waiver allows us to better align nutritional

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