Big changes are happening with SNAP, and they could affect families across the United States in serious ways. From new food bans to major funding shifts, what’s happening now could reshape food assistance — making it harder to use and easier to lose.
Even if you’ve been following the news, this is different. Here’s what you need to know about the newest updates and what they could mean for you.
Two New States Approved for Food Bans
Indiana and Iowa are the latest states to get USDA approval to limit what you can buy with SNAP benefits — and the changes are significant.
- Indiana’s rule is pretty simple: SNAP users won’t be able to buy soft drinks or candy anymore.
- Iowa’s rule is much more complicated — and could cause a lot of confusion.
Instead of focusing on nutrition, Iowa is restricting SNAP purchases based on the state’s sales tax rules. Here’s what that means:
- You can buy foods that are exempt from sales tax, like fruits, vegetables, milk, and eggs.
- But you’ll still be able to buy items like ice cream and potato chips — because they’re not taxed.
- Surprisingly, nutritious foods like trail mix, granola bars, and fruit strips will be banned — not because they’re unhealthy, but because they’re taxed.
Even worse, some reports suggest SNAP users won’t be allowed to buy seeds or produce-bearing plants, which many families rely on to grow their own food and stretch their SNAP dollars.
These changes take effect on January 1, 2026. However, it’s possible this will be delayed due to difficulties implementing the new rules. We’ll have to wait and see.
Your State Could Be Next
On May 22, the USDA issued a memo that invited every governor in the country to submit their own food restriction plans.
This is a clear signal: the federal government isn’t just allowing these bans — they’re encouraging them.
If this continues, we could end up with a confusing patchwork of SNAP rules from state to state. What you can buy with SNAP might depend entirely on where you live.
A New Proposal Could Cut SNAP Benefits
Another big change could make things even tougher for families: a new proposal would shift some of the costs of SNAP food benefits from the federal government to the states.
Here’s the deal:
- Right now, the federal government pays for all SNAP food benefits.
- States only handle the administrative side.
- Under the new proposal, states would have to start paying about 10% of the cost of SNAP benefits.
That may not sound like much, but for states already facing budget issues, it’s a huge new burden:
- Nevada and New Mexico would each need to come up with $100 million a year.
- Iowa would need about $53 million.
- Kansas would need about $41 million.
- Other states would need to contribute other amounts, depending on their participation.
If states can’t come up with their share, they’ll have to cut SNAP benefits. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, this could mean:
- Benefits could be slashed by up to 25%.
- The average household could lose more than $1,000 a year in food assistance.
- Families might receive just $4.80 per day instead of the current $6.40 per day.
States with the highest poverty rates — the ones that rely on SNAP the most — would be hit hardest.
Why This Matters
On paper, the federal government can say they’re not cutting SNAP benefits — but by shifting costs to the states, they’re setting up a system where benefits are likely to shrink or disappear.
This change wouldn’t just hurt budgets — it would leave millions of families without the food assistance they depend on.
Some Good News
Amid all this, there is a little bit of positive news: the USDA recently announced a $67 million food purchase to help support food banks and nutrition programs across the country. They’re buying:
- Atlantic groundfish
- Canned pears
- Beans
- Cherries
- Shrimp
These foods will be distributed to communities in need. It’s a helpful move — but it’s not nearly enough to balance out the potential harm from the other changes.
New Leadership at USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service
There’s also been a leadership change at the USDA. Patrick Penn has been appointed as the new deputy undersecretary for the Food and Nutrition Service, which oversees SNAP.
Penn brings a unique perspective: he grew up in foster care, served in the military, and has a background in social service reform. Many are watching closely to see what kind of impact he’ll have — but given recent trends, more changes are likely ahead.
Relief Recap
SNAP benefits are facing new food bans and potential funding cuts, making it harder for families to get the help they need. While some support is on the way, these changes could have a major impact. We’ll keep you updated so you can stay prepared.