CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA), today announced that at this time they are discontinuing the implementation of West Virginia’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Healthy Choices waiver while the State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Administration (USDA FNA) evaluate next steps in response to Aragon v. Rollins, No. 26-861 (D.D.C. June 22, 2026).
The Healthy Choices waiver was approved by the USDA FNA and was intended to encourage healthier beverage choices by removing sweetened, carbonated beverages from SNAP-eligible purchases.
Following a federal district court decision issued on June 22, 2026, the USDA FNA directed participating states to discontinue implementation of approved SNAP Healthy Choices waivers. As a result, sweetened, carbonated beverages are currently eligible for purchase using SNAP benefits in West Virginia, effective immediately.
Retailers should update their point-of-sale systems and related processes as soon as possible to ensure SNAP recipients can purchase eligible items using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards without interruption.
DoHS is committed to using taxpayer dollars appropriately and to encouraging West Virginians to choose healthy food options. It will administer the SNAP program in accordance with federal law and USDA guidance while ensuring eligible West Virginians have access to their benefits.
Questions regarding the SNAP Healthy Choices waiver may be directed to the DoHS Office of Constituent Services at 1-877-716-1212, or by email DoHSPublicComments@wv.gov. Retailers seeking technical assistance may contact bfasnapretailer@wv.gov.
Pretty pathetic that people have to rely on the government to tell them to not eat garbage. And even more pathetic that the government is going back to say that soda is OK for tax payers to keep funding. Clown world with clown food. Eat real food and do something. Your body will Thank You. And quit making excuses for eating garbage like “I didn’t know”. Educate yourself. Quit relying on the government and teachers. They obviously are doing their job well. Look around at all of the sickness and obesity.