Hunter
04/28/26
The Iowa Legislature has sent a bill to Governor Kim Reynolds’ desk that puts restrictions on SNAP benefits, and focuses on nutrition and physical fitness at public schools.
Iowa Capital Dispatch reports the bill makes permanent the restriction on purchasing unhealthy foods through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the federal Summer EBT program.
The bill also requires Iowa medical school students to complete at least 40 hours of coursework on nutrition and metabolic health prior to graduation, and to take continuing education every four years to keep their physician certification.
Democratic State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott pointed out some inconsistencies in the restrictions, noting that chips and cookies are still allowed, but a prepared healthy sandwich is not. She said lawmakers need to work on “real solutions,” including making sure Iowans have the resources to buy the healthy foods that are more expensive.
The bill also would allow ivermectin to be distributed over the counter by pharmacies. It is used to treat parasitic infections caused by internal worms, and external parasites like head lice and scabies.
The Mayo Clinic says ivermectin is not authorized or effective for treating COVID-19.