USDA Approves Iowa's Request to Ban Soda, Sweets From SNAP

Reynolds’ waiver to restrict SNAP eligible foods approved by USDA

USDA approved a demonstration waiver in Iowa to exclude certain foods from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. (Photo by Lance Cheung/USDA)The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Gov. Kim Reynolds’ waiver to exclude foods like candy and soft drinks from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Iowa.  Anti-hunger advocates were against the waiver and argue it would not help low-income Iowans gain better access to n…

USDA approves Iowa's request to ban soda, sweets from SNAP

Gov. Kim Reynolds received USDA approval for her waiver to prohibit the purchase of certain grocery items using SNAP benefits.

Iowa gets waiver to prevent SNAP spending on candy, pop, chips

(Radio Iowa) – The USDA has given the State of Iowa the go-ahead to prohibit Iowans from using federal food assistance to buy candy, salty snacks or sweetened drinks like pop, starting in January. During taping of this week’s “Iowa Press” program at Iowa PBS, Governor Kim Reynolds said current data shows 20% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits are being used to buy those items. “This really lines up with what the intent…