Northwest Iowa — If you use SNAP benefits — the program that was historically known as food stamps — you may have noticed some changes in what you can buy with your benefits.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says the changes took effect the first of the year and are designed to promote healthier eating habits among Iowans receiving SNAP benefits.
Iowa HHS Director Kelly Garcia says that as obesity and chronic illness continue to rise, Iowa is taking bold steps upstream — focusing on prevention and early intervention. She says that limiting SNAP-eligible purchases to healthier foods is a practical step toward encouraging better eating habits and supporting long-term health.
Under the new guidelines, 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
For more information about the changes that have been made and the SNAP program in general, you can visit: hhs.iowa.gov/snap. To see what is considered taxable versus non-taxable, visit revenue.iowa.gov/taxes/tax-guidance/sales-use-excise-tax/iowa-sales-tax-food.
KIWA Staff Photo
