CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Iowans soon won’t be able to use food stamps, known as SNAP benefits, to buy soda and candy as the Reynolds administration targets obesity and chronic illnesses.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services outlined the coming changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, that take effect January 1st. The program provides money to buy food to more than a quarter of a million low-income Iowans.

Governor Kim Reynolds had requested a special waiver from the USDA to restrict what foods are eligible for purchase under SNAP in Iowa. The Trump Administration approved that waiver earlier this year .

The new restrictions will not allow SNAP benefits to pay for candy, juice containing less than 50% fruit or vegetable, vitamins and minerals,

See Full Page