Reynolds Hopes Feds Appeal Ruling Blocking Iowa SNAP Restrictions on Junk Food
By John Damon | Just The News Iowa
Governor Kim Reynolds said Wednesday she hopes the federal government will appeal a court ruling that blocked Iowa and other states from restricting the purchase of unhealthy foods like soda and candy using taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits. The decision, handed down by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in June, overturned a U.S. Department of Agriculture waiver that had allowed Iowa to exclude certain items from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program starting in 2026.
While Iowa will not file its own appeal, Reynolds made clear the state stands ready to support any federal effort to reinstate the restrictions.
Why Reynolds Supports SNAP Restrictions
Reynolds called the judge's ruling short-sighted and argued that the program's original intent is to provide nutritional food for children, not sugary drinks and candy. She emphasized that the restrictions were not a ban but a common-sense use of taxpayer dollars.
“This is about the health of our kids, and our data is horrible,” Reynolds said. “It just says if taxpayer dollars are going to be used through this program, that was designated to provide nutritional food for our kids, then that's the intent of the program, and we should adhere to that.”
The governor noted that Iowa's attorney general could participate if the federal government chooses to appeal, adding, “I hope they do at some point, to be quite honest, because I think it's so important.”
Opponents Argue Restrictions Hurt Vulnerable Iowans
John Boller, board chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition, pushed back against the governor's position, arguing that support programs work better than restrictions.
“If the goal is healthier eating, we know that support works better than restriction,” Boller said. “Programs like Summer EBT have already shown they boost healthy food consumption for kids and incentives like Double Up Food Bucks do the same for families year-round.”
Boller warned that an appeal would create uncertainty for SNAP participants and confusion for retailers who would have to implement and potentially unwind restrictions again. “Vulnerable Iowans deserve the same dignity of choice as anyone else at the grocery store,” he added.
Iowa Celebrates Low SNAP Payment Error Rate
Separately, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services officials celebrated the state's low SNAP payment error rate, which came in at 5.34% for fiscal year 2025. That is well below the 6% threshold set by the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which would require states with higher error rates to fund a portion of benefit payments starting in federal fiscal year 2028.
The national average payment error rate stands at 10.62%, with the USDA reporting $10.1 billion in collective improper payments across all states in FY 2025. Iowa is one of just nine states nationwide to keep its error rate below 6%.
HHS Principal Deputy Director Larry Johnson credited the state's success to clearer eligibility policies, better staff training, and organizational alignment. “This improvement reflects our continued focus on getting benefits right the first time,” Johnson said. “Accurate SNAP administration supports Iowa families, protects taxpayer dollars, and ensures Iowans receive timely and correct support.”
What This Means for Iowa Families
Reynolds emphasized that the court decision does not block SNAP or summer feeding program funds. The state will continue allocating the funds it previously committed, even though the food restrictions are no longer in effect. For now, Iowa SNAP participants can purchase the same items as before, but the debate over taxpayer-funded junk food is far from over.
As the federal government weighs its next move, Iowa remains a key battleground in the fight over how to balance nutritional goals, taxpayer accountability, and personal choice in public assistance programs.