INDIANAPOLIS (WLKI)- No Indiana retailers have been fined for violations of the state's new restrictions on using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to buy candy and soft drinks, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Indiana's SNAP waiver took effect in January after Gov. Mike Braun directed the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to seek federal approval for food-purchase restrictions.
The waiver prevents SNAP recipients from using electronic benefits transfer cards to buy most candy and soft drinks. The state's definition excludes some beverages containing milk, milk substitutes or drinks sweetened exclusively with juice. Refrigerated candy products may also remain SNAP eligible.
Federal law already bars the use of SNAP benefits for alcohol, tobacco and hot prepared meals.
The USDA's Food and Nutrition Administration said it has taken action 61 times this year against Indiana retailers for criminal or administrative violations, but none of those cases involved the state's candy and soda restrictions.
Retailers received a 90-day grace period after the waiver began to update product systems and determine which items were no longer eligible.
The restrictions have caused confusion for some stores and customers, particularly for retailers operating in multiple states with different SNAP waiver rules. Indiana Grocery and Convenience Store Association President Joe Lackey said smaller stores are also facing increased costs and compliance challenges.
Lackey said convenience stores and neighborhood markets may find it difficult to remain in the program because of the restrictions and separate federal stocking requirements for basic food groups.
Indiana is one of 18 states approved by the USDA to test restrictions on SNAP food purchases. The waiver is scheduled to remain in effect through 2027 unless Indiana seeks a renewal.
A federal judge recently blocked similar waivers in five other states, ruling that the USDA did not have authority to redefine eligible food categories established by Congress. The USDA said it continues to monitor states with approved waivers that were not included in that ruling.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture and Indiana Capital Chronicle