(This story has been updated to correct what qualifies as “candy” under Indiana law.)
Starting July 1, a new Indiana law adds restrictions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.
It’s part of a series of new laws going into effect this summer. Senate Enrolled Act 1, passed during the Indiana General Assembly’s 2026 session, includes the following limitations on SNAP:
SNAP junk food limitations already in effect in Indiana
A ban on soda and candy for SNAP recipients went into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Based on the tax code Indiana’s new policy references, not all items considered sweets and sodas will fall under the ban.
That change is codified under the new law. Here’s the language in SEA 1, found on page 5:
SECTION 7. IC 12-14-30-10 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 10.
(a) As used in this section, “candy” means a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the or of bars, drops, or pieces. The term does not include any preparation requiring refrigeration.
(b) As used in this section, “soft drink” means nonalcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. The term does not include beverages that contain milk or milk products,s oy, rice, or similar milk substitutes, or are exclusively naturally sweetened using natural vegetable or fruit juice.
(c) A SNAP recipient may not use SNAP benefits to purchase candy or soft drinks.
(d) If the office of the secretary determines that a waiver or authorization by a federal agency is needed to implement this section, the office of the secretary shall request the necessary waiver or authorization.
Federal judge nixes SNAP restrictions in 5 other states
Pilot programs to restrict SNAP purchases of unhealthy foods in 5 states recently were struck down by a federal judge.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who directs the SNAP program, misapplied federal law in approving requests from states to allow them to impose limits on what participants can buy with funds from the food aid program, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said in her June 22 decision, Politico reported. The ruling applies to Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia.
Contact digital editor Jenny Porter Tilley at jtilley@indystar.com.
Contact reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cjackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com: @cherylvjackson or Bluesky: @cherylvjackson.bsky.social.
Lucy Tobier is the politics reporting intern for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at ltobier@gannett.com or on X at @TobierLucy.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: SNAP benefit rules are about to change for Indiana residents. What’s new?
Reporting by Jenny Porter Tilley, Cheryl V. Jackson and Lucy Tobier, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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By Jenny Porter Tilley, Cheryl V. Jackson and Lucy Tobier, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
