Virginia will prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for sweetened carbonated drinks starting in April, affecting more than 850,000 residents. The ban covers soda, diet soda, soft drinks, and energy drinks, but excludes plain carbonated water and beverages with less than five grams of added sugar. The move is part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, aimed at steering taxpayer dollars toward wholesome foods. Twelve states, including Florida and Louisiana, had previously restricted junk food and soda, with six more, including Virginia, joining as of last week. States enforcing restrictions may receive additional federal funding.
