By Jamie Martin
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins approved significant waivers altering the definition of allowable food purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Indiana and Iowa, both taking effect in 2026. Nebraska received the first of these historic waivers earlier in the week.
These changes are part of the broader “Make America Healthy Again” initiative championed by administration and Secretary Rollins. The initiative aims to address rising health concerns and chronic disease rates across the U.S. by reshaping the way nutrition assistance is administered.
“President Trump has given our nation a once in a generation opportunity to change the health trajectory for our entire country. On my first day as Secretary, I sent a call to states to innovate, and Governors Jim Pillen, Kim Reynolds, Mike Braun, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Laura Kelly, Patrick Morrisey, Jared Polis, Brad Little, Spencer Cox, and Greg Abbott have stepped up and taken action," said Secretary Rollins. "I look forward to signing even more waivers in the days ahead as we continue to restore the health of America.”
“Indiana is proud to be a leader in the Make America Healthy Again initiative, and today Secretary Rollins signed our waiver to return SNAP in Indiana to its intended purpose: nutrition," said Governor Braun. "President Trump and Secretary Rollins are putting our farmers first and supporting American agriculture, and I was proud to join them today.”
“Soaring obesity rates have brought our nation and state to a crossroads,” said Governor Reynolds. “To promote healthy eating and protect future generations from disease and to ensure SNAP fulfills its core function we need a change. Thank you to Secretary Rollins and her team for helping make that change happen.”
Previously, SNAP restrictions only prohibited the purchase of alcohol, tobacco, hot foods, and non-food items. Indiana’s new waiver will exclude soft drinks and candy, while Iowa’s waiver will prohibit all food items subject to sales tax, including sweetened beverages, snacks, and candy. Both policies take effect January 1, 2026.
These waivers are key to the USDA’s “Laboratories of Innovation” vision to support healthier communities and fight chronic illness among American families.
Photo Credit: snap
Categories: National