On this page...
Iowa HHS alerting SNAP recipients of potential federal shutdown impacts
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.
To find out if you are eligible for SNAP, visit the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal. Or, learn more about Iowa's coverage, approved vendors, and more.
Back to topSNAP Waiver Changes
Starting January 1, 2026, certain types of foods will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
This change is to make sure that the SNAP purchases meet the purpose of the program - to extend your family’s grocery budget so you can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being. Below are examples of the types of items that can and cannot be purchased with SNAP after these changes go into effect.
- Can still be purchased (including, but not limited to): Fruits and Vegetables, Meats, Dairy Items, Grains
- Cannot be purchased (including, but not limited to): Soda, including those with 50% or less fruit or vegetable juice, Candy and Candy-Coated Items, Vitamins and Minerals, Chewing Gum and some in-store prepared foods.
You can still use SNAP to buy seeds and plants that grow food for your household to eat. SNAP benefits can be used to buy most food items that are not taxed in Iowa, based on rules from the Iowa Department of Revenue. For more information about non-taxable versus taxable foods, please visit the Iowa Department of Revenue for a more detailed guide.