Updated Aug. 15, 2026.
By Hola Iowa
Federal rules now let Iowa families buy candy, soda and other foods that the state restricted earlier this year. The 2026 SUN Bucks application period has ended.
Federal SNAP rules once again let Iowa families buy foods that the state had blocked since Jan. 1, 2026.
This includes candy, soda, sweetened drinks and other products that federal rules define as food.
On June 22, a federal court canceled USDA’s approval of Iowa’s Healthy SNAP waiver. After the ruling, Iowa Health and Human Services told stores to restore federal purchasing rules.
The change also applies to SUN Bucks. However, Iowa closed the 2026 application period at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 14.
- Allowed again: candy,, soda, sweetened drinks, snack foods and other foods covered by federal SNAP rules.
- Still prohibited: alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, hot prepared food and nonfood products.
- SNAP amounts: the change does not raise or lower a household’s monthly benefit.
- SUN Bucks: families can use issued benefits for 122 days after the deposit date.
Federal rules now allow candy, soda and more
Federal SNAP rules cover most food that a household plans to eat at home. As a result, Iowa no longer blocks products simply because the state taxes them.
Families can use SNAP to buy:
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Meat, poultry and fish.
- Dairy products.
- Breads and cereals.
- Snack foods and candy.
- Soda and other nonalcoholic drinks.
- Seeds and plants that produce food.
However, SNAP still does not cover:
- Beer, wine, liquor or tobacco.
- Vitamins, medicines or supplements.
- Hot food sold for immediate consumption.
- Cleaning supplies, paper products and pet food.
- Other products that are not food.
Iowa HHS told stores to update their checkout systems when federal rules returned. Therefore, the same food rules now apply across the state.
The current Iowa SNAP page confirms that families can again buy foods that qualified before Jan. 1.
Related coverage: Iowa SNAP enrollment fell by nearly 24,000 people in one year.
Across the Mississippi River: Illinois is sending an automatic $400 FRESH payment to eligible residents who lost SNAP because of federal work rules.
The court canceled Iowa’s waiver approval
Iowa began its Healthy SNAP restrictions on Jan. 1. The waiver blocked some taxable products even though standard federal rules covered them.
On June 22, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia canceled USDA’s approvals for Iowa, Colorado, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia.
The court found that USDA used the wrong part of federal law. That section allows test programs designed to help SNAP work more efficiently.
In contrast, Iowa’s plan focused on food choices, nutrition and health. Federal law places those projects under a different section with more requirements.
The court also found that Congress had already defined food for SNAP. Therefore, USDA could not remove complete food categories through the waiver process it used.
In addition, USDA did not publish the required notice before starting programs that could have a major effect on the public.
The ruling focused on USDA’s legal power and approval process. It did not decide whether restrictions on soda, candy or other foods were good public health policy.
The USDA food restriction waiver page now marks Iowa’s approval as canceled. It also states that the waiver cannot continue.
SUN Bucks applications closed Aug. 14
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, follows the restored federal food rules. Therefore, families can use issued benefits to buy the same eligible foods covered by SNAP.
The program provides $120 for each eligible child. The money helps families cover grocery costs while school is out.
However, Iowa stopped accepting 2026 applications at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 14. Iowa HHS has not opened applications for 2027.
Families that already received SUN Bucks can continue using the money. The benefits remain available for 122 days after the state deposits them.
After that period, any remaining balance expires. In addition, Iowa does not replace benefits that expire or are lost or stolen.
Hola America’s Iowa SUN Bucks guide explains the payment, expiration period and food rules.
The change affects purchases, not benefit amounts
The restored rules change which products SNAP and SUN Bucks can cover. However, they do not change a household’s SNAP amount, eligibility or payment schedule.
Families can check their SNAP balance and account activity through ConnectEBT. They can also call EBT Customer Service at 800-359-5802 for card and account questions.
Finally, the USDA maintains a complete list of foods and products covered by federal SNAP rules.
Follow Hola America News on Facebook for updates on SNAP, SUN Bucks and other programs affecting Iowa families.
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