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USDA approves Iowa’s SNAP healthy foods waiver

The state of Iowa’s waiver to limit purchases made with SNAP benefits to healthy foods has been approved by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.

In a statement, Governor Kim Reynolds said the waiver promotes healthy eating and should help address soaring obesity rates. According to USDA, the waiver allows the state to align SNAP allowable purchases with the list of foods that are non-taxable under Iowa law.

U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, a Republican from Iowa, tells Brownfield she’s hopeful similar measures will be enacted in other states.

“We do need to make sure that we’re working with our grocers to deliver healthy food options for those who are using SNAP benefits,” Hinson said. “I applaud the Governor, and I applaud Secretary Rollins for approving that program. I look forward to seeing what those benefits are for Iowans.”

Iowa’s SNAP waiver will go into effect on January 1^st, 2026.