(KIWA Staff Photo)
Statewide Iowa (RI) — Governor Kim Reynolds says she hopes the Trump Administration appeals a federal court ruling that blocked Iowa’s policy prohibiting the use of SNAP benefits to buy candy and soft drinks.
Reynolds says 40% of American adults and 20% of children are obese, and she argues taxpayers should not be paying for unhealthy food through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program.
The USDA granted Iowa a waiver in January to proceed with its SNAP limitations. Federal law currently prohibits SNAP purchases of alcohol, tobacco, or hot prepared foods. Last month, a federal judge ruled the USDA does not have authority to grant waivers that go beyond that list, nullifying Iowa’s policy and similar waivers in Nebraska, Colorado, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Reynolds says state officials are working with Iowa retailers to revert to the previous list of approved SNAP foods.
Iowa’s previous policy — in effect for the past six months — prohibited SNAP purchases of candy, soft drinks, energy drinks, and sugary beverages containing less than 50% fruit or vegetable juice.
