1. Rural Relevance
This notice directly affects rural SNAP participants and authorized food retailers in Virginia by changing what items can be purchased using program benefits. Specifically, the project excludes "sweetened beverages" from the definition of food eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in the state.
2. Federal Register Overview
ACTION TYPE: Notice
AGENCY: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Administration
DOCKET / RIN: FR Doc. 2026-22390
PUBLISHED: November 3, 2026
EFFECTIVE: November 1, 2026
COMMENT DEADLINE: not open for comment
3. What It Does
Announces the Food and Nutrition Administration's approval for the State of Virginia to proceed with a demonstration project that amends the SNAP definition of food for purchase to exclude "sweetened beverages". The project was initially requested by the State on November 4, 2025, modified regarding implementation dates on February 3, 2026, and given a revised implementation date of November 1, 2026. SNAP benefits remain supplemental, meaning participants are not restricted from purchasing excluded items using non-SNAP funds.
4. Why The Agency Says It’s Doing This
According to the agency's preamble, SNAP's statutory purpose is to improve nutrition among low-income households. The agency states that the project is consistent with that purpose and represents an appropriate policy intervention to address diet-related disease and obesity. Furthermore, the agency noted that supporters of the project stated it advances SNAP's nutrition objectives, could improve public health outcomes, and would promote responsible use of taxpayer-funded benefits.
Section 17(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2026(b)).
7. Who It Affects
SNAP participants and authorized SNAP retailers in the State of Virginia.
8. How to Comment
not applicable
9. Source
Federal Register, Vol. 91, No. 211, pages 69238–69239 (FR Doc. 2026-22390)
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