January 8th, 2026 by WCBC Radio

West Virginia’s SNAP program has begun to ban soda from its list of approved food and beverages. The state received a Healthy Choices waiver last year to amend the program in order to promote healthier nutrition choices and improve long-term health outcomes for West Virginians. For the purposes of the waiver, soda is defined as any carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage that contains water, a sweetening agent including artificial sweeteners, flavoring, and added carbonation. SNAP benefits can still be used for water, milk, and 100% fruit or vegetable juices.