Governor Braun Draws the Line: No More Junk Food in Food Stamps

FGA praises sweeping executive action to improve public health, crack down on welfare fraud, and Make Indiana Healthy Again.

NAPLES, FL— The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) commends Indiana Governor Mike Braun for taking immediate, decisive action to improve the health and well-being of Hoosiers through a sweeping package of nine executive orders. Just months after taking office, Braun has launched one of the country’s boldest state-level public health agendas—delivering on his Make Indiana Healthy Again promise with real actions. Standing alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Governor Braun used the power of the pen to make good on his commitment to bold, health-centered reforms.

Governor Braun’s full “Make Indiana Healthy Again” agenda includes:

1. Removing Junk Food from Food Stamps: Soda and candy will no longer be eligible for purchase with food stamps—realigning the program with its intent to promote nutrition.
2. Fixing Food Stamps and Medicaid Eligibility: New enforcement of asset verification and redeterminations will root out fraud and protect programs for those who truly need them.
3. Studying Chronic Disease: A statewide initiative will evaluate and improve state-led efforts to prevent obesity, diabetes, and diet-related illnesses.
4. Launching School Fitness Reforms: A new Governor’s Fitness Test and School Fitness Month will promote healthier habits and reward student wellness.
5. Improving School Food Transparency: Parents will gain access to clear nutritional data on school meals, and farm-to-school food options will expand.
6. Boosting Local Food Access: New research will reduce red tape for Hoosiers buying directly from Indiana farmers.
7. Reviewing Harmful Additives: Indiana will assess artificial food dyes and additives, with RFK Jr. applauding the governor’s focus on consumer transparency.
8. Reforming Food Stamp Work Requirements: The state will connect non-working, able-bodied adults on food stamps with job training and Indiana’s 138,000 open jobs.
9. Urging Federal Reform: Indiana will formally petition Congress to allow states more flexibility to innovate and improve food assistance programs.

“It’s simple—the status quo on health and nutrition is failing Americans,” said Tarren Bragdon, President and CEO at FGA. “Governor Braun is leading the way to improve the public health outcomes in Indiana and restore protections for the most vulnerable among us.”

“Governor Braun did what many leaders these days won’t – act boldly and swiftly in the interest of the people you serve. He’s now setting the pace for the rest of the nation to follow,” Bragdon added. “Hoosiers deserve a food stamp system that supports their well-being instead of supporting large junk food and soda corporations.”

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The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that promotes public policy solutions to create opportunities for every American to experience the American Dream. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.