USDA Approves North Dakota Plan to Bar Soda, Energy Drinks, and Candy from SNAP Purchases
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Administration has approved North Dakota's plan to stop SNAP recipients from using their benefits on soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy. The project starts November 1, 2026, after the agency reviewed 65 public comments, most of them opposed, and found none significant. SNAP is the federal food assistance program, and a demonstration project is a state-run trial of rule changes that federal officials later evaluate.
This summary was generated by AI; the official source prevails.
What does it mean?
If you use SNAP in North Dakota, you will no longer be able to pay for soft drinks, energy drinks, or candy with your benefits starting November 1, 2026. Other groceries stay covered under the program.
Who is affected?
SNAP participants in North Dakota and stores that accept SNAP benefits.
What changes?
Before, SNAP benefits in North Dakota could be used to buy soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy; from November 1, 2026, those items are excluded.