FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – The new SNAP Healthy Choices waiver to restrict the purchase of soda using SNAP benefits has received federal approval.
According to the West Virginia Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Human Services Bureau of Family Assistance will apply the waiver to regular, diet, and zero-calorie sodas starting January 1, 2026.
It will impact many of our local markets.
“They come in here to get different things, and it’s going to slow it down,” said Scarbro Market’s Carol Vance. “I think it’s sending a message to the kids that it’s wrong. If my friend over here can have a soda, but you can’t because you have EBT. So what’s that telling the kid – you’re too poor to have a drink.”
Those on EBT who visit Scarbro Market to buy soda for themselves and their kids…
“They’re going to do without it. That’s not fair,” Vance said. “I know a lot of people who depend on EBT to help them.”
It could be problematic if Scarbro or any other market sells soda to EBT customers.
“We’ll still have everything that we have. But as far as coming up to the counter to purchase, they’ll have to have cash or a debit card,” said Vance. “Their EBT won’t do no good, because if we get caught selling to them on EBT, we get a bunch of fines. That would hurt us in the long run, too.”
According to Vance, there will be many unhappy customers on New Year’s Day.
“We do pretty good on the sodas with EBT, and with EBT being cut like that, a lot of stuff is gonna go down,” she said. “So, we won’t be as busy with our drinks.”
State officials say other beverages, including milk, juice, water, and energy drinks are not affected by the waiver.
