SNAP Waivers Target Sugary Foods in Indiana and Iowa

USDA Pushes Healthy Eating with SNAP Rule Changes

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has approved waivers redefining eligible food items under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Indiana and Iowa, effective in 2026. On Monday, she signed the first waiver of this kind in Nebraska, marking a historic shift in SNAP policy.

“President Trump has given our nation a once in a generation opportunity to change the health trajectory for our entire country. On my first day as Secretary, I sent a call to states to innovate, and Governors Jim Pillen, Kim Reynolds, Mike Braun, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Laura Kelly, Patrick Morrisey, Jared Polis, Brad Little, Spencer Cox, and Greg Abbott have stepped up and taken action," said Secretary Rollins. "I look forward to signing even more waivers in the days ahead as we continue to restore the health of America.”

Indiana’s waiver, effective January 1, 2026, will exclude soft drinks and candy from SNAP purchases. Iowa’s waiver, also effective the same day, will prohibit SNAP purchases of any food item subject to sales tax, including sweetened beverages, snacks, and candy.

“Indiana is proud to be a leader in the Make America Healthy Again initiative, and today Secretary Rollins signed our waiver to return SNAP in Indiana to its intended purpose: nutrition," said Governor Braun. "President Trump and Secretary Rollins are putting our farmers first and supporting American agriculture, and I was proud to join them today.”

“Soaring obesity rates have brought our nation and state to a crossroads,” said Governor Reynolds. “To promote healthy eating and protect future generations from disease—and to ensure SNAP fulfills its core function—we need a change. Thank you to Secretary Rollins and her team for helping make that change happen.”

This initiative is part of the broader Make America Healthy Again agenda, which aims to combat rising rates of chronic disease among youth. Secretary Rollins also launched the “Laboratories of Innovation” initiative, encouraging states to develop bold solutions to long-standing health challenges.