Jan. 1 marks the first day of a new set of rules for food-stamp recipients in Indiana.
Those who partake in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits program will no longer be able to buy most ― but not all ― candy and sugary drinks using their benefits, under a new Make Indiana Healthy Again initiative pursued by Gov. Mike Braun’s administration.
The goal is to make a dent in Indiana’s poor health statistics by encouraging healthier food purchases, Braun said. Indiana consistently ranks in the bottom half of states for its prevelance of risk factors like obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol, according to the United Health Foundation.
“This is a common-sense change that will help Hoosiers live healthier lives,” Braun said in a statement Dec. 31. “Indiana is proving that practical, collaborative solutions can make a real difference—and we hope other states will follow our lead.”
Indiana got approval from President Donald Trump’s administration in May to make these changes.
Experts on the SNAP program previously told IndyStar they are skeptical this will lead to behavior change, however. People using SNAP benefits have long purchased items that their stamps don’t pay for.
Based on the tax code Indiana’s new policy references, not all sweets and sodas will fall under the ban. The definitions in Indiana law exclude food processing that includes flour or refrigeration, and drinks that contain milk or at least half fruit juice. Snacks like Twix and Kit Kats, for example, would still be allowed.
As of September, about 570,000 Hoosiers use SNAP, according to USDA data. The average monthly benefit per person in 2023 was $176.
The Family and Social Services Administration has a “Smart SNAP” webpage with more information for SNAP recipients and retailers at in.gov/fssa/dfr/snap-food-assistance/smart-snap/.
Contact IndyStar Statehouse reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X: @kayla_dwyer17.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana’s soda and candy ban for SNAP recipients starts Jan. 1. What to know
Reporting by Kayla Dwyer, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
