OKLAHOMA CITY (KNWA/KFTA) — A new set of restrictions has been implemented in Oklahoma regarding the purchase of certain foods and beverages using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These changes, which affect what is eligible for purchase, aim to promote healthier choices among recipients.
The new rules come almost a year after Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced that the state was seeking federal approval to limit the items eligible for purchase under SNAP by excluding soft drinks and candy.
The state’s waiver was granted in August, with the initial implementation date set for January 1. However, state officials later announced a new start date of February 15, allowing retailers additional time to prepare their systems for these changes.
This set of restrictions is part of a federal pilot program lasting through February 2028, with the option for the state to request an extension by August 2027.
What Foods Are No Longer Eligible for SNAP Benefits in Oklahoma?
The newly approved waiver states that candy and soft drinks are no longer eligible for purchase using SNAP benefits.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines soft drinks as any beverage marketed or sold as soda, soft drink, sports drink, energy drink, flavored water, or juice drink containing less than 100% juice. This applies to colas, teas, punches, lemonades, sports or energy beverages, flavored waters, and any fruit drinks that do not meet the 100% juice criterion.
According to the USDA, soft drinks do not include milk or milk substitutes, plain coffee in any form, plain bottled water, or 100% fruit juice, along with beverages made at home.
Candy encompasses chocolate bars, gummies, caramels, taffy, licorice, mints, chewing gum, and similar confections which may include any products with wafers, cookies, or flour components. Non-bakery items coated in chocolate, yogurt, or other candy coatings are also included in this category.
Items such as cakes, cookies, muffins, brownies, pastries, and breads, along with ingredients typically used for baking like chocolate chips and baking chocolate, are not covered by these SNAP exclusions.
Oklahoma now joins Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia as states where similar waivers have been enacted.
The Arkansas waiver, which will restrict the purchase of sodas, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, and other unhealthy drinks along with candy, is set to take effect on July 1 and will last for five years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Key Takeaways
- New SNAP restrictions in Oklahoma exclude soft drinks and candy from purchase eligibility.
- The changes were implemented to promote healthier food choices for SNAP recipients.
- Oklahoma’s waiver is part of a federal pilot program lasting until February 2028.
- Candy includes a variety of confections, and soft drinks encompass many sugary beverages.
- Oklahoma now aligns with other states that have enacted similar restrictions.
FAQ
What foods are excluded from SNAP in Oklahoma?
Candy and soft drinks are no longer eligible for purchase under SNAP benefits in Oklahoma.
How long will the restrictions be in place?
The restrictions are part of a federal pilot program that runs through February 2028.
Can I still buy baked goods with SNAP benefits?
Yes, items like cakes, cookies, muffins, and pastries are still eligible for purchase.
Are drinks like milk and coffee affected by these changes?
No, soft drinks do not include milk, milk substitutes, or plain coffee.
