SNAP Healthy Retailer Agreement

Beginning November 1, 2026, SNAP benefits may no longer be used to purchase certain sweetened beverages from SNAP authorized retailers in Virginia. This page explains which beverages are restricted, which products remain eligible, and the steps retailers must take to comply with Virginia’s SNAP requirements. Retailers should review the information carefully, update their systems and procedures, train appropriate staff, and complete the compliance agreement form.

Program Authority and Overview 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) has approved Virginia’s modification to eligible food items under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as authorized by 7 CFR § 271.2. 

Under this approval, SNAP benefits may not be used to purchase certain carbonated sweetened beverages, as defined below. 

By submitting this agreement, you acknowledge your understanding of these requirements and confirm your ability to comply with them. 

Virginia-Specific Information on Restricted Items/Categories  

Beginning November 1, 2026, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase “sweetened beverages” (as defined below) at SNAP-authorized retailers in Virginia. 

"Sweetened beverages" refers to any beverage that is made with carbonated water and that is flavored or sweetened with added sugar or artificial sweeteners such as corn sweetener, corn syrup, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, malt syrup, maltose, raw sugar, or sucrose. This includes items commonly referred to as "soda," "diet/zero soda," "pop," "soft drinks," and "energy drinks." 

This does not include carbonated water which is plain or naturally flavored or any other beverage that contains less than five grams of added sugar per serving.  

Beverages that contain milk or milk product:; soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes, mineral water sold in containers, specialty foods that are liquids or that are to be added to a liquid and that are intended to be a substitute in the diet for more commonly used food items are not categorized as "sweetened beverages," and therefore will not be restricted under this pilot project.  

Moreover, Virginia does not define the following beverages as "sweetened beverages;" and will not be restricted for SNAP: 

• Non-carbonated beverages (even if heavily sweetened) such as iced tea, lemonade, and juice,
• Milk and milk alternatives such as chocolate milk, almond milk, and yogurt drinks,
• Medically necessary nutritional products such as infant formula and meal replacement shakes, and 
• Hydration-focused sports drinks such as sugar-free and regular electrolyte or isotonic drinks. 

Retailer Responsibilities 

As a SNAP-authorized retailer in Virginia, I agree to: 

• Not allow SNAP benefits to be used for restricted beverages. 
• Update Point-of-Sale (POS) systems to block ineligible purchases. 
• Train all relevant staff on SNAP beverage eligibility requirements. 
• Ensure compliance with all federal SNAP regulations and state waiver requirements. 
• Report any suspected violations or system issues to VDSS or USDA FNA. 
• Cooperate fully with audits, investigations, and site visits conducted by state or federal agencies. 

To confirm your agreement with the retailer responsibilities, please complete the agreement form.
Submit the SNAP Healthy Retailer Agreement Form