‘A pain’: SNAP retailers, shoppers pan Indiana sugary drinks, candy ban

Indiana merchants and customers say the state's ban on federal food aid for sugary drinks and candy relies on definitions too "arbitrary" to comply with or shop by.

By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz

Outlets: Indiana Capital Chronicle

Published: March 16, 2026

Words: 1,865

Last Updated: 5 days, 1 hour ago

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Indiana merchants and customers say the state’s ban on federal food aid for sugary drinks and candy relies on definitions too “arbitrary” to comply with or shop by.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — the nation’s largest anti-hunger initiative — serves more than half a million low-income Indiana residents.

Since Jan. 1, Hoosier SNAP recipients have been unable to use their benefits on gum or mints, while potato chips and ice cream have remained in …

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