The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently approved a request to restrict the purchase of soft drinks with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the state. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) applied for the waiver in an effort to promote healthier choices.

What small business owners need to know:

• The restriction will go into effect on October 1, 2026.
• Beverages that list sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or similar caloric sweeteners as the primary ingredient, or the secondary ingredient if the primary ingredient is carbonated water, are banned from SNAP purchases.
• ODJFS will notify retailers and SNAP recipients about the change before the restriction takes effect.

Ohio joins 21 other states in limiting the purchases that can be made using SNAP benefits. Governor DeWine convened a working group to develop the recommendations for the waiver last summer.

Read more about the change here.