/ Benefit Programs / Food Assistance / Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / SNAP Healthy
/ Benefit Programs / Food Assistance / Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / SNAP Healthy
SNAP Healthy is a statewide effort to encourage the use of SNAP dollars for nutritious foods and beverages. The goal is to improve long-term health outcomes for Virginia families. SNAP Healthy includes the SNAP Beverage Update and partnership with Virginia Fresh Match, a program that doubles SNAP benefits on fruits and vegetables at participating locations.
As of November 1, 2026, SNAP customers can no longer purchase carbonated sweetened drinks using their SNAP benefits in Virginia. Those beverages include soda, diet soda, “zero” soda, carbonated energy drinks or any beverages made with carbonated water and flavored or sweetened with added sugar or artificial sweeteners. All other beverages, including milk, juice, infant formula, sports drinks, iced tea and lemonade are still SNAP-eligible.
Virginians’ eligibility to participate in SNAP and their benefit amount are not affected by this change. This change is part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture waiver.
We’re here to support you.
Email: SNAPHealthy@dss.virginia.gov
VDSS will continue sharing updates through stores, LDSS offices, community partners, our website, and social media.
Read more about what the Beverage Update means for you and what to expect at checkout.
Access more information, including implementation details and resources to help your business navigate this change.
Get answers to common questions about the SNAP Beverage Update, including which beverages are affected.
Download materials about the Beverage Update to print, post and share.
Virginia Fresh Match lets you double the value of your SNAP benefits when buying fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets.
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