Hunter
10/13/25
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced upcoming changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, that take effect the first of the year.
According to a release from HHS, eligible SNAP purchases are determined by the state’s non-taxable food items list, as well as some prepared foods, seeds for food-producing plants, and food-producing plants.
As part of the updated rules, certain items will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. These include taxable food items such as:
*Soda and sugary beverages containing less than 50% fruit or vegetable juice
*Candy and items coated in candy
*Some in-store prepared foods
HHS Director Kelly Garcia said in the release, “As obesity and chronic illness continue to rise, Iowa is… focusing on prevention and early intervention. By limiting SNAP-eligible purchases to healthier foods, this is a practical step toward encouraging better eating habits and supporting long-term health.”
For more information about the upcoming changes and the SNAP program, visit: hhs.iowa.gov/snap.