Grocers in Iowa are grappling with new SNAP restrictions on the items on their shelves, and must navigate what qualifies under updated guidelines imposed by the state.
In January, Iowa began enforcing “one of the nation’s most restrictive” Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, waivers, and consumers, grocery stores, and food pantries are being left with concerns and questions regarding the updated “nutrition first” policy. Over 260,000 Iowans receive SNAP benefits, according to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
After Iowa’s new SNAP waiver went into effect, it now limits eligible purchases to nontaxable food items, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy items, and grains, to better align SNAP eligibility to the state’s tax code, according to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services…