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WV Governor Patrick Morrisey seeks waiver request to remove soda from SNAP

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – The opening of a soda bottle is a sound many Americans are familiar with. The bottles are also recognizable and drinking one is a common occurrence. Removing these from the SNAP program is also Governor Patrick Morrisey's latest move in Charleston. Governor Morrisey announced last week, Tuesday May 20th, that he submitted a SNAP waiver request. The request is to remove soda and add healthy food under the program. Cottontail Farms opens in Jumping Branch This waiver could impact the nearly two hundred and eighty thousand West Virginians under SNAP. 'More SNAP money is spent on sugary drinks than any other food commodity in the program. Given that sugary beverages have little or no nutritional value, they are not improving the diet of individuals in the SNAP program.' Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy, American Heart Association This waiver is part of Governor Morrisey's 'Four Pillars of a Healthy West Virginia.' Mark Schoeberl is the executive vice president for advocacy of the American Heart Association. He said the fight for reducing the consumption of sugary beverages has been going on for the past few decades. 'The excess consumption of sugar in our diet is contributing to weight gain, to the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.' Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy, American Heart Association This waiver comes after changes in several other states. Construction underway on Raleigh County Amazon distribution center This includes Nebraska, who last week banned SNAP recipients from getting soda and energy drinks. 'We believe other states will follow. We would ultimately encourage the Department of Agriculture and Secretary Rollins to consider making it a policy nationwide.' Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy, American Heart Association Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.