A new food assistance policy takes effect in Indiana tomorrow under a program known as Smart SNAP.
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration reminds Indiana residents that starting January first, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to buy sugary drinks or most candy items. The change is part of the Smart SNAP initiative launched by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.
State officials say the program is intended to better align SNAP purchases with healthier food choices, following federal approval earlier this year. Indiana is among the first states to implement these restrictions.
The state points to recent health data showing that about two-thirds of adult Hoosiers are overweight or obese. Officials also report that nearly half of adults eat fruit less than once a day, and more than a quarter eat vegetables less than once daily. Among children and teens, state data shows elevated rates of overweight and obesity as well.
Under the new rules, non-alcoholic drinks with added sweeteners and most candy products are no longer eligible for purchase, while milk-based beverages and one-hundred-percent fruit juice remain allowed.
FSSA says retailers across Indiana have spent recent weeks updating checkout systems and training staff ahead of the January rollout.
More information for SNAP recipients and retailers is available through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
