CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) -The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) was just granted the right to exclude pop and soda purchases for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) users.
This request had to be made to, and approved by, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) which administers the SNAP program.
Ohio’s request was made after recommendations were given to Governor Mike DeWine in June of 2025.
“This waiver that we requested and received through the USDA is a meaningful step toward better health outcomes for Ohioans on food assistance,” said ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. “Today’s news is a result of Governor DeWine asking us to work with experts in nutrition, public health, and food access to find practical solutions that help Ohioans make healthier choices.”
The restriction will take effect Oct. 1, 2026.
While pop and soda were the main targets restrictions will include any drink that list sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or similar caloric sweeteners as the primary ingredient—or as the second ingredient if the first is carbonated water.
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