West Virginia Governor Morrisey Requests Federal Waiver to Remove Soda from SNAP Benefits

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has formally submitted a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remove soda from the list of items eligible for purchase through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This move aims to promote healthier food options such as fresh produce and lean meats for low-income families, aligning with Morrisey's broader public health initiative called the 'Four Pillars of a Healthy West Virginia.' The initiative also includes banning certain food dyes and encouraging daily physical activity through the Mountaineer Mile challenge. Morrisey emphasized that the 'N' in SNAP should stand for nutrition, advocating for reforms to ensure SNAP benefits support healthier lifestyles. Although similar legislation faced opposition due to concerns about economic impacts on local stores, Morrisey continues to push forward with these changes in collaboration with federal officials including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Approximately one in six West Virginians rely on SNAP, highlighting the potential impact of this policy shift.