COLUMBUS, Ohio—(AVC News)—Ohio’s planned October First start to restrictions involving SNAP benefits has been delayed.
According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, implementation of a ban that would limit the purchase of certain sugary drinks with the SNAP benefits has been put on hold.
For those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits in Ohio, the ban was to include beverages that list contents such as sugar, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup or caloric sweeteners listed as the primary ingredient.
The ban was to also include carbonated water listed as the second ingredient.
Many health experts agree these drinks are widely recognized as having little to no nutritional value and are linked to chronic health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Earlier this year, a waiver was approved to allow Ohio to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for certain beverages like fountain drinks and soda.
Now the pause on the October 1st ban was issued after federal officials asked for time to publish a Federal Register notice and review public comments.
