Ohio officials announced today that the state will postpone the enforcement of a new SNAP restriction that would have prevented participants from using their benefits to buy sugary sodas and other sweetened beverages. 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 gather public comment.
Background on the proposed restriction
The restriction, approved by Ohio in March, was designed to keep SNAP benefits focused on nutritious foods. Under the rule, any beverage whose first ingredient is sugar, corn syrup, or high‑fructose corn syrup – including popular sodas such as Sprite and Coke – would be ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Diet and sugar‑free drinks would remain allowed.
Retailers across the state were already asked to certify that they would not sell sugary beverages to customers using EBT cards. The policy aligns with the Trump administration’s encouragement of states to consider limits on SNAP purchases of non‑nutritious items like soda and candy.
USDA’s request and the court’s role
In a recent development, the USDA asked Ohio to delay the rule so it can issue a formal notice in the Federal Register, a standard step that provides the public an opportunity to comment on new regulations. The agency’s spokesperson confirmed that the request is tied to ongoing litigation but declined to specify how long the pause will last.
The pause follows a June decision by a U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., which found that the USDA had failed to provide required public notice before approving similar SNAP restrictions in five other states – Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia. That ruling blocked those states’ programs from taking effect and prompted the USDA to reassess its process.
Impact on Ohio and other states
Ohio joins South Carolina and North Dakota, which have also been asked by the USDA to push back implementation of waivers that would restrict SNAP purchases of candy and soda. Twenty‑two states across the country have requested SNAP restrictions, each at a different stage of rollout.
While the delay means Ohio SNAP recipients can continue to purchase sugary drinks with their benefits for now, the ultimate outcome will depend on the USDA’s notice and the public’s response. State officials have not indicated whether the rule will be revised, upheld, or abandoned after the comment period.
What this means for families
For Ohio families relying on SNAP, the postponement offers temporary relief from a rule that many viewed as an unnecessary intrusion into personal choice. At the same time, supporters of the restriction argue that limiting sugary drink purchases can promote healthier eating habits and stretch limited food dollars further.
The debate reflects a broader national conversation about how best to balance nutrition assistance with personal freedom – a conversation that the Trump administration believes should prioritize responsible use of taxpayer‑funded benefits.
Next steps
The USDA is expected to publish its notice in the Federal Register in the coming weeks, opening a comment period that will allow stakeholders, including Ohio families, advocacy groups, and industry representatives, to weigh in. Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services will monitor the process and determine the final timeline for any rule change.
Until then, Ohio SNAP participants can continue to use their benefits for all beverages, including those with added sugar, while the state and federal agencies work through the procedural requirements.
Original reporting: Signal Cleveland — read the source article.
