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WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins signed waivers to amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) in Indiana and Iowa, each commencing in 2026. Earlier in May, Secretary Rollins signed the first-ever waiver of this kind in Nebraska.
"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. I look forward to signing even more waivers in the days ahead as we continue to restore the health of America," said Secretary Rollins.
"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. President Trump and Secretary Rollins are putting our farmers first and supporting American agriculture, and I was proud to join them today," said Governor Braun.
"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."
Prior to these waivers, SNAP recipients could buy anything except alcohol, tobacco, hot foods, and personal care products. This historic action expands the list of products excluded from SNAP purchases in Indiana and Iowa. Indiana's waiver excludes soft drinks and candy, and it will take effect January 1, 2026. The waiver for Iowa excludes any food item eligible for sales tax including sweetened beverages, snacks, and candy, and this waiver will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.