Food Waiver Changes SNAP Benefits

Purchase changes with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, went into effect Sunday Feb 15.

The initial Jan. 1 date was changed in order to give retailers more time to ensure a seamless transition.

The waiver, approved by the Food and Nutrition Service, states that various candies and soft drinks will not be eligible for purchase. 

Candy items include:

• Chocolate bars
• Hard candy
• Gummies 
• Caramels 
• Taffy
• Licorice 
• Mints
• Chewing gum

Items that are not considered candy include baked goods, such as muffins, cookies, and cakes, and baking ingredients such as chocolate chips or cocoa powder.

Soft drinks include:

• Carbonated soda 
• Energy drinks 
• Sweetened bottled or canned tea
• Sweetened bottled or canned lemonade
• Flavored, sweetened water

The waiver was signed to promote nutrition, support public health, and reduce health care costs. 

Other participating states include Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Carrie Snodgrass, spokesperson for Oklahoma Human Services, said families will still receive the same amount of SNAP benefits.

Items that are still eligible for SNAP benefits:

• Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and seafood
• Dairy products
• Bread
• Cereal
• Rice
• Pasta
• Eggs and plant-based proteins
• 100% fruit or vegetable juice
• Plain bottled water
• Coffee and tea prepared at home 

To apply for SNAP benefits, visit okdhslive.org for more information.
For additional resources, such as eligibility or a step-by-step guide, visit hungerfreeok.org for more information.