CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The West Virginia Department of Human Services has halted implementation of its SNAP Healthy Choices waiver after federal officials instructed states to pause the program in response to a recent court ruling.
The waiver, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Administration, would have removed sweetened, carbonated beverages from SNAP‑eligible purchases as part of an effort to encourage healthier choices. But following a June 22 federal district court decision in Aragon v. Rollins, the USDA directed states to discontinue the waiver while next steps are evaluated.
As a result, sweetened, carbonated beverages are once again eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in West Virginia, effective immediately. The Department of Human Services urged retailers to update point‑of‑sale systems to ensure SNAP recipients can buy eligible items without interruption.
DoHS said it remains committed to encouraging healthy food choices and administering SNAP in accordance with federal law.
Questions about the waiver can be directed to the DoHS Office of Constituent Services at 1‑877‑716‑1212 or DoHSPublicComments@wv.gov. Retailers seeking technical assistance may contact bfasnapretailer@wv.gov.
