Last updated: December 23, 2025

Quick summary

• Starting January 1, 2026, West Virginia is changing what you can buy with SNAP EBT.

• SNAP benefits can no longer be used to buy soda and many energy drinks.

• Your SNAP benefit amount is not changing. Most regular groceries are not affected.

What is changing in West Virginia

When the new rules start

The new rules begin on January 1, 2026. They are currently approved as a two-year pilot by USDA and the State of West Virginia.

What you cannot buy with SNAP anymore

You will not be able to use SNAP EBT to buy:

• Soda: carbonated nonalcoholic beverages containing water, a sweetening agent (such as sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners), flavoring, and carbonation.

• Energy drinks: beverages with added caffeine or other ingredients.

Unsweetened carbonated water and beverages that meet federal SNAP rules (such as many milk-based drinks or beverages that are mostly juice) are not treated as soda under the state definition.

For questions about specific products, check the West Virginia SNAP website or ask an associate at the store where you’re shopping (online or in-store).

What stays the same

• These changes only affect what you can buy with SNAP benefits in West Virginia.

  • Note: You can still include these items in your basket online and in-store when you pay with EBT, but you'll need to pay for them with a different payment method, such as a debit or credit card.

• Your monthly SNAP amount is not changing because of this waiver.

• Staple groceries — like fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and many pantry items — remain SNAP-eligible.

For full details, contact your local SNAP office or visit the West Virginia Department of Human Services website.

Keeping up to date

If you live in West Virginia and use the Forage app, we plan to:

• Update this page if West Virginia or USDA change the rules, and

• Share important reminders in the app or via push notifications so you know what to expect at checkout.