PIERRE – The Department of Social Services has submitted a SNAP Food Restriction Demonstration Waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Administration.

The waiver is a result of legislation enacted during the 2026 Legislative Session (House Bill 1056), requiring DSS to submit a federal waiver request to USDA to exclude soft drinks from eligible SNAP purchases. Soft drinks are defined as nonalcoholic beverages containing natural or artificial sweeteners.

The goal of the project is to reduce purchases of high-sugar beverages. It will apply statewide to approximately 72,000 people in 36,500 households. All SNAP-authorized retailers in South Dakota will participate. Implementation will begin six months after federal approval.

More information can be found at dss.sd.gov by clicking on the SNAP Food Restriction Waiver button.

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The South Dakota Department of Social Services is dedicated to strengthening families to foster health, wellbeing, and independence. For more information, please visit dss.sd.gov.