Indiana launches Smart SNAP to promote healthier choices for Hoosiers

Last Updated on January 1, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network

Starting January

INDIANAPOLIS – As part of Governor Mike Braun’s Make Indiana Healthy Again initiative, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is launching Smart SNAP, a bold new effort to improve the health of Hoosiers by aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food choices.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase sugary drinks or candy in Indiana.

This initiative is a direct response to alarming public health statistics: 66% of adult Hoosiers are overweight or obese, 44% eat fruit less than once daily and 27% eat vegetables less than once daily. Among WIC toddlers aged 2–4, 16% are overweight and 15% are obese. Additionally, 25% of high schoolers and 32% of youth aged 10–17 are overweight or obese.

Governor Braun emphasized, “This isn’t the usual top-down, one-size-fits-all public health agenda. We’re focused on root causes… and taking on the problems in government programs that are contributing to making our communities less healthy.”

In April 2025, Governor Braun signed an executive order banning sugary drinks and junk food from SNAP purchases. Indiana was one of the first states to secure a USDA waiver to implement this change and since then, 11 other states have followed suit. The Smart SNAP initiative is a cornerstone of the broader Make America Healthy Again movement.

The new rules define restricted items as follows:

  • Sugary Drinks: Non-alcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners, excluding milk-based or 100% juice beverages.
  • Candy: Preparations of sugar, honey or other sweeteners combined with chocolate, fruits, nuts or flavorings in bar, drop or piece form, excluding items requiring refrigeration.
Flyer showing examples of sugary drinks
Flyer showing examples of candy

View PDF versions of these flyers: Sugary Drinks | Candy | Additional Languages

To ensure a smooth rollout, FSSA has conducted multiple provider meetings and engaged with provider associations across the state. Retailers have been briefed and provided with detailed guidance.

Prior to the January 1 implementation date, retailers are required to:

  • Update point-of-sale systems to exclude restricted items.
  • Submit attestations and documentation to FSSA confirming compliance.
  • Train staff on the new SNAP purchasing rules

Retailers and SNAP recipients can find more information, including FAQs and training materials, at the official SNAP Retailer Website or by contacting the SNAP Retailer email: SmartSNAPInquiries@fssa.IN.gov.
Smart SNAP is more than a policy change—it’s a commitment to building a healthier Indiana. For more information, visit https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/snap-food-assistance/smart-snap/

SOURCE: News release from Indiana Family & Social Services Administration

FOR RETAILERS:

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources will hold Smart SNAP Retailer meetings to provide updates on the Make Indiana Healthy Again initiative to remove sugary soft drinks and candy from the taxpayer-funded SNAP. Retailers also need to submit the completed Indiana: SNAP Restricted Purchases Self-Attestation of Compliance by by Jan. 31, 2026 Find more info on the SNAP Retailer Website

Cass County Online