INDIANAPOLIS, May 26 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Indiana’s request to restrict the purchase of sugary drinks and candy using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The change, set to take effect in early 2026, is part of the state’s broader push to promote healthier eating habits.
The waiver approval, announced Friday, marks a key step in Governor Mike Braun’s “Make Indiana Healthy Again” initiative, which launched in April. As part of the effort, Braun signed nine executive orders, including reforms to SNAP eligibility and benefit usage.
“More taxpayer-funded SNAP dollars are spent on sugary drinks and candy than on fruits and vegetables,” Braun said in a statement. “This change encourages better choices for families and better outcomes for public health.”
Under the new rule, SNAP recipients in Indiana will no longer be able to use their benefits to buy soft drinks or candy. The goal is to shift purchasing habits toward more nutritious food options.
Indiana becomes the third state to secure such a waiver from the USDA, following Iowa and Nebraska. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., leader of the national “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, has voiced strong support for Indiana’s move and urged other states to adopt similar policies.
SNAP, administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, provides grocery assistance to millions of low-income families nationwide. While federal law sets broad guidelines for what can be purchased with SNAP, states may request waivers for additional restrictions.
With the USDA’s approval now in place, Indiana will begin preparing for the policy rollout in 2026.
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