Food Assistance
Jun 10, 2026

North Dakota offers training on new SNAP purchase restrictions for retailers

Webinar series will help retailers prepare for SNAP food restriction requirements taking effect in September


June 10, 2026

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services is launching a webinar series to help food retailers prepare for new restrictions on purchases made with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. According to an agency announcement, the first webinar will be held on Thursday, with additional sessions scheduled through Oct. 27. The training will provide information about the new requirements, the foods affected by the restrictions and guidance on compliance requirements. 

North Dakota's waiver, which takes effect in September, will prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to purchase items including soft drinks, energy drinks, candy and certain sweetened food products, according to state officials. About 600 retailers that accept SNAP benefits will need to update their point-of-sale systems to ensure restricted items cannot be purchased with SNAP funds.

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