The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — Residents in Alleghany County and Covington who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will face new restrictions on certain beverage purchases beginning Sunday, November 1.
Under the new guidelines, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase soda, diet soda, zero-sugar soda, carbonated energy drinks and other sweetened carbonated beverages.
The changes are part of Virginia’s SNAP Healthy initiative, which encourages healthier food and beverage choices among families receiving assistance.
According to the latest figures reported by the Alleghany-Covington Department of Social Services, 1,810 SNAP cases were active locally in September.
Beverages that will no longer qualify include carbonated drinks containing five grams or more of added sugar per serving and certain drinks containing artificial sweeteners.
Several beverages will remain eligible, including milk, juice, lemonade, iced tea, iced coffee, sports drinks, infant formula, unsweetened seltzer and non-carbonated energy drinks.
The Virginia Department of Social Services said the restrictions will not change a household’s SNAP eligibility or monthly benefit amount.
The changes were approved through a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The SNAP Healthy initiative also includes a partnership with Virginia Fresh Match, which doubles SNAP benefits spent on fruits and vegetables at participating locations.
Residents with questions about the new restrictions can contact the Virginia Department of Social Services at SNAPHealthy@dss.virginia.gov.
