US Edition
Iowa Changes SNAP Benefits to Exclude Sugary Items
Iowa will restrict SNAP purchases to exclude soda, candy, and some prepared foods to address rising obesity and chronic illness among over 250,000 recipients, officials said.
- On January 1, 2025, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced SNAP eligibility restrictions to promote healthier food choices.
- With USDA backing, Iowa HHS Director Kelly Garcia secured a waiver earlier this year to restrict SNAP purchases, aiming to promote healthier eating habits.
- Under the new rules, excluded items include soda and sugary beverages containing less than 50% fruit or vegetable juice, candy and candy-coated items, and some in-store prepared foods; more than a quarter of a million low-income Iowans will be affected.
- Critics warned advocates for food assistance and anti-hunger programs oppose the restrictions, saying they won’t lower healthy food costs and will limit access, while Statehouse Democrats warned barriers could hurt farmers and local businesses.
- Iowa HHS is coordinating with retailers across the state on outreach materials and direct communication to SNAP recipients ahead of the rollout to encourage purchases of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy items and grains.
14 Articles
14 Articles
NE Iowa Publishing
Iowa Announces Upcoming Changes to SNAP Benefits to Promote Healthy Food Choices
DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing upcoming changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that will impact what items are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. These changes will take effect…
Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier
Dispatch ArgusIowa HHS working with retailers to implement new ‘junk food’ restrictions on SNAP
Starting Jan. 1, government food assistance benefits can no longer be used to purchase soda, candy and other foods deemed to be unhealthy
Iowa SNAP recipients soon won't be able to purchase soda, candy with benefits
DES MOINES, Iowa -- On Friday, the Iowa Health and Human Services Department announced that changes to what recipients utilizing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would be able to purchase are coming soon. Starting January 1, 2026, SNAP recipients won't be able to purchase foods considered taxable under Iowa code with their benefits. Taxable foods include things like soda and other beverages containing less than 50% of fruit or veget…
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