Iowa, Indiana to Ban Sugary Snacks With SNAP Funds

New rules are coming soon for some U.S. residents who receive SNAP benefits, which will essentially ban the purchase of sugary foods and drinks.

New SNAP Restrictions In Effect Beginning January 2026

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps millions of low-income Americans afford food each month.

Children make up nearly half of all SNAP recipients, so they benefit from better nutrition and an increased chance of success in the classroom, according to the USDA.

Illinois' neighboring states of Indiana and Iowa will soon begin to prohibit the use of SNAP for buying candy, soda, and other sugary foods beginning January 1, 2026.

Indiana's ban will apply to soft drinks and candy, while Iowa goes further in banning "sweetened beverages, snacks, and candy."

Critics Say Nutrition Reforms Undermine SNAP

According to anti-hunger advocates, the ban in Iowa and Indiana signals a troubling shift in federal food policy.

The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) is a non-profit that said the adjustments in benefits "mark a dangerous step toward dismantling SNAP," while Republican governors are praising the effort to combat obesity and encourage healthier eating.

FRAC has also accused the Trump administration of "weaponizing nutrition policy," according to the report in Supermarket News.

If this were truly about health or hunger, the Trump administration would not have slashed funding for farm-to-school programs or proposed eliminating the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. -from May 27 FRAC statement

Could Illinois be the next to make the SNAP changes?

More States Eye Similar SNAP Limits

With Indiana and Iowa joining Nebraska with SNAP restrictions, there are reportedly 10 other U.S. states that are seeking similar USDA waivers:

Arkansas
Arizona
Colorado
Idaho
Kansas
Louisiana
Montana
Texas
Utah
West Virginia

According to advocates who regularly help feed the homeless and others in need, they're warning that limiting SNAP choices could worsen food insecurity.

FRAC pointed to Nebraska's high food insecurity rate of 13 percent as a consequence of cutting SNAP and other harmful policy decisions you've been making.

LOOK: 35 Vintage Cereals That Perfectly Captured Pop Culture Moments

Movies and TV shows have always found ways to partner with cereal companies as part of their promotion strategy. While some may have come up with a giveaway in boxes, others went big by having their own cereal connected to the movie or TV show title. Here are vintage cereals that were used to promote some of pop culture's biggest moments (and some you probably forgot about).

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll