Rep. Newman Applauds Federal Approval for Ohio's Restrictions on SNAP Soda and Sugary Drink Purchases

State Representative Johnathan Newman (R-Troy) today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to approve Ohio’s waiver submission to restrict purchases of full-sugar soft drinks using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

Ohio House Republicans championed a provision in the most recent state budget requiring the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to apply for a waiver to exclude the purchase of sugar-sweetened beverages under the SNAP program.

“The use of taxpayer dollars to provide SNAP benefits helping children and families in need must result in help – not harm,” said Newman. “We cannot afford to use tax dollars in a way that makes Americans less healthy. As part of Ohio’s MAHA Caucus, I want to find more ways like this to make America healthy again.”

ODJFS submitted this request to the USDA to restrict the purchase of beverages with sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup or similar caloric sweeteners as the primary ingredient, or the second ingredient if the primary ingredient is carbonated water. 

Ohio is among three other states, including Kansas, Nevada, and Wyoming whose waivers were approved thus far by the Trump Administration. This change will be effective October 1, 2026. 

To learn more about how this will impact SNAP users in Ohio and about the working group recommendations, please click here.