UPDATE (March 17, 2026):
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – Indiana retailers and Hoosiers say the ban by the state for people using federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to purchase sugary drinks and candy are too difficult to comply with.
SNAP recipients have been banned from buying gum, mints, soda, and sports drinks since January 1st, but can still use the money for potato chips, ice cream, and fitness drinks.
Retailers say they have been completely confused by the arbitrariness of what the state decided can and cannot be purchased. A grace period on enforcement of the ban ends April 1st.
Read more HERE
ORIGINAL STORY:
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Indiana House has approved a bill to tighten eligibility and verification rules for people to obtain Medicaid and food assistance.
All Democrats and four Republicans voted against the bill, which is now before the state Senate. The opponents say the change will add bureaucratic hurdles and push Hoosiers who are eligible for the coverage out of it. It requires state agencies to notify the federal government when someone’s immigration eligibility cannot be confirmed and tightens income, asset, and work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP.
Also at the Statehouse, a bill to ban buying candy or soda with SNAP benefits is advancing.
The Indiana House passed Senate Bill 1. It now heads back to the Senate for approval due to changes made in the House. If it becomes law, the measure bans purchasing sugary drinks or candy with SNAP benefits and sets income limits and immigration status requirements for SNAP.
Read more HERE
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