DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to implement changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that will affect eligible purchases. Starting January 1, 2026, these changes aim to promote healthier eating among Iowans using SNAP benefits.

"As obesity and chronic illness continue to rise, Iowa is taking bold steps upstream — focusing on prevention and early intervention," said Iowa HHS Director Kelly Garcia. "By limiting SNAP-eligible purchases to healthier foods, this is a practical step toward encouraging better eating habits and supporting long-term health."

Under the new rules, SNAP benefits will cover items from the state's non-taxable food items list, some prepared foods, seeds for food-producing plants, and the plants th

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