USDA Approves Iowa Waiver to Limit SNAP Benefits Purchases

Earlier this week, Nebraska became the first station in the country to restrict low-income individuals who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from purchasing soda and energy drinks. Now, Iowa is following suite with by making a litany of items ineligible to be purchased with the same benefits.

A waiver from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) geared to limit purchases made with the state's SNAP benefits has just been approved by the USDA, per KWWL. The waiver will allow lawmakers to approve SNAP purchases within a list of foods that are none-taxable under state law.

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What Products Will Be Exempt from SNAP?:

Such items that are approved are bread, eggs, and milk, the basic necessities found in any given fridge across the state. The list of items no longer approved is long, and includes everything from soda to chewing gum. The full list can be found below and on the Iowa.gov website:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Candy, candy-coated items, and candy products, including gum
• Certain beverages, including those with 50% or less fruit or vegetable juice
• Cosmetics
• Dietary supplements
• Chewing gum
• Health aids
• Household aids
• Paper products
• Pet foods and supplies
• Soaps and detergents
• Tobacco products
• Toiletry articles
• Tonics
• Vitamins and minerals

The Motive Behind the Changes:

Governor Reynolds cited "soaring obesity rates" as the impetus behind this move:

Soaring obesity rates have brought our nation and state to a crossroads. To promote healthy eating and protect future generations from disease—and to ensure SNAP fulfills its core function—we need a change - Governor Kim Reynolds, per KWWL

Iowa HHS Director Kelly Garcia added that limiting food benefits for SNAP benefits users will restrict them to "foods we know are healthier."

When Does the Waiver Go Into Effect in Iowa?:

The waiver will go into effect starting January 1st, 2026. Per Iowa Starting Line, one in 12 Iowans (259,300) use SNAP to be able to afford groceries. That number reflects the current year. In 2022, over 274,000 Iowans used SNAP. With tariffs set to take effect, and grocery prices remaining stubbornly high due to a number of factors, there seems to be no relief in sight for the common person struggling to afford every day necessities.

Read more about changes to Iowa's SNAP benefits on KWWL's website.