Ohio officials announced today that the state will postpone the enforcement of a new SNAP restriction that would have prevented recipients from using their benefits to buy sugary drinks. The delay comes at the request of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which said it needs additional time to publish a notice in the Federal Register and solicit public comment.
Background on the proposed restriction
The ban, approved by Ohio in March, targeted beverages whose first ingredient is sugar, corn syrup or high‑fructose corn syrup, as well as carbonated drinks where the second ingredient is one of those sweeteners. Under the proposal, full‑sugar sodas such as Sprite and Coke would have been ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, while diet and sugar‑free options would remain allowed. Retailers were asked to certify that they would not sell the restricted drinks to customers using EBT cards.
USDA’s role and the legal backdrop
Earlier this month, the USDA asked Ohio to hold off on the rule so it could issue a formal notice and open a comment period. The agency cited a recent federal district court decision that found it had failed to provide the required public notice before approving similar SNAP restrictions in five other states – Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia. That ruling blocked the programs in those states and prompted the USDA to pause implementation elsewhere, including Ohio, South Carolina and North Dakota.
Why the Trump administration supports the measure
The Trump administration has encouraged states to request SNAP restrictions on items deemed non‑nutritious, such as soda and candy. Twenty‑two states have joined Ohio’s effort, each at various stages of rolling out the policy. Supporters argue that limiting sugary drinks can promote healthier eating habits among low‑income families and reduce long‑term health costs.
What the delay means for Ohio SNAP recipients
For now, Ohio SNAP participants can continue to use their benefits to purchase sugary beverages. The exact length of the postponement is unclear, as USDA officials declined to provide a timeline for the comment period. Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services confirmed the agency’s request was tied to the ongoing litigation but did not specify when the rule might be reinstated.
Local impact and next steps
Local retailers and advocacy groups will be watching the public comment process closely. If the USDA ultimately approves the restriction, Ohio SNAP recipients will need to adjust their purchasing habits, and retailers will have to enforce the new eligibility criteria. Until then, the status quo remains, allowing families to use their benefits for all types of beverages.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
