So, what constitutes "junk food"? According to a letter to the state from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, it includes soft drinks ("non-alcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners") and candy ("a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces").
Rollins' letter grants the Hoosier State a waiver to amend the definition of food for purchase under the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. The USDA secretary signed similar waivers for Nebraska and Iowa.
Talking about this Monday on American Family Radio, Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith said the state is just following President Donald Trump's lead to Make America Healthy Again.
"We're not going to be putting junk food into the hands of our people who are on welfare," Beckwith stated. "We want to make sure they're healthy. We want to make sure that they have a very great step forward when it comes to moving in the right direction with their health."
Both farmers and conservative leaders in the state, he explained, recognize that putting junk food into the hands of families and children perpetuates the "constant downward spiral" in people's health. "And then, Medicaid costs go up," he emphasized.
Beckwith went on to explain what this will look like practically.
"We are incentivizing bad behavior in Indiana by putting junk food in the hands of people who are on these social welfare programs," he said. "You shouldn't be drinking soda with SNAP benefits, you shouldn't be buying Doritos with SNAP benefits. Let's get you healthy, whole food that actually is going to make you a healthy person."
He also explained that this new policy is a win not only for the people of Indiana, but also for the state itself.
"I'm glad we're putting the brakes on it finally and just saying, Hey, we love you, we're going to feed you, we're going to help feed you, but we're going to feed you with good-quality, whole foods, organic from places like your backyard and your community in Indiana."
He described the new policy as "a great win for Hoosier farmers, a great win for the state of Indiana, [and] a great win for the United States."
Prior to the waivers approved by the USDA, SNAP participants could purchase anything except alcohol, tobacco, hot foods, and personal care products. Indiana's waiver will take effect on January 1, 2026, as will those for Nebraska and Iowa.
