Indiana governor calls for ban on using SNAP benefits for pop, candy
Indiana is moving to become the first state to ban people from using SNAP benefits to buy soda and candy.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun unveiled the order as part of his "Make Indiana Healthy Again" initiative on Tuesday, along with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.
"More SNAP money is spent on sugar drinks and candy than on fruits and vegetables," Braun said. "That changes today."
Braun also issued executive orders changing work requirements for SNAP participants; reinstating income and asset verification rules; launching a review of "improper payments and other administrative errors" to ensure that SNAP meets federal goals; and establishing a new program and fitness test for schools.
Braun also issued executive orders demanding increased transparency on food dyers, the development of plan to fight diet-related chronic disease, and increased access to local foods, CBS 4 Indianapolis reported.