USDA takes new SNAP waiver approach following court ruling

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: Grocery Dive
Published: September 8, 2026
Source: Read at Grocery Dive
Category: Food Access

A federal district court judge vacated SNAP food purchasing restrictions in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia, prompting the USDA to seek public comments as it reviews other approved waivers. South Carolina and North Dakota were scheduled to begin their waivers on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, but the USDA asked both states to delay implementation to Nov. 1. Ohio's waiver, scheduled for Oct. 1, is on hold while the state awaits further guidance and the USDA plans a Federal Register notice and public comment period. Virginia moved its waiver from April 1 to Oct. 1, and its website now lists Nov. 1 as the start date.

Why this matters: Changing waiver dates and pending public comments create shifting compliance timelines for stores that accept SNAP. North Dakota said the delay gives retailers more time to prepare and SNAP participants more time to learn about the changes.

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