Ohio has officially received federal approval to prohibit "sugary carbonated drinks" through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Ohio's request. The change will go into effect on October 1.

Damschroder said in a statement that the request represents the state's efforts to "empower Ohioans to make healthier choices" and prioritize their nutrition.

"This waiver that we requested and received through the USDA is a meaningful step toward better health outcomes for Ohioans on food assistance," Damschroder stated. "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 newly approved waiver will restrict the use of SNAP benefits on beverages that include "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."

Over a three month period, a working group set up by DeWine in June 2025 evaluated data and expert input on how nutrition impacts children's health, the purpose of SNAP, retail logistics and implementation.

According to the working group's findings, many health experts agree that sugary drinks like soda have little to no nutritional value and link to chronic health conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

ODJFS has begun the early stages of prohibiting the sale of sugary carbonated drinks through SNAP. The agency stated that it will communicate the upcoming changes to both retailers and SNAP recipients in the coming months.