Indiana First in Nation to Ban Candy and Soda Purchases with Food Assistance
Hoosiers will no longer be permitted to use taxpayer-funded food assistance for candy and soda, following Indiana’s approval for a federal waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This decision makes Indiana the first state to implement such a restriction, as confirmed in a release from Governor Mike Braun’s office.
Governor Braun initiated this change as part of his “Make Indiana Healthy Again” plan, which aims to refocus the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on nutritious food. The new policy is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Braun highlighted that SNAP dollars are disproportionately spent on sugary drinks and candy compared to fruits and vegetables, citing USDA data indicating soda as the most purchased item using SNAP benefits.
Research also reveals that children in SNAP households consume 43% more sugary beverages than their peers not enrolled in the program. The governor’s administration is motivated by a larger initiative to address diet-related health issues in low-income communities across Indiana.
At a recent event, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. commended Indiana’s leadership on this matter, urging other states to follow suit. In addition to the sugar ban, Braun has signed various executive orders to enhance SNAP oversight, introduce work requirements, and explore food safety studies. This reform is a significant step in promoting healthier dietary choices among Hoosiers.
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