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Read. Follow. Verify.Indiana bill triples SNAP and WIC purchasing power for produce at participating farmers' markets
Last action · January 12, 2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Family and Children ServicesSponsors: J.D. Ford and 1 other
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What This Bill Proposed
Indiana requires the state department of health to provide triple value for and benefits when residents use them to buy produce at participating farmers' markets, subject to federal approval. The department must request any necessary federal waivers by September 1, 2026, and implement the program within 30 days of approval.
Changes the purchasing power for federal nutrition benefit recipients buying fresh food from local agricultural vendors, contingent on federal authorization and state administration timelines.
Who It Would Have Affected
Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Indiana residents who receive SNAP benefits
SNAP recipients receive triple the purchasing value for their benefits when buying produce at participating farmers' markets.
Indiana residents who receive WIC benefits
WIC recipients receive triple the purchasing value for their benefits when buying produce at participating farmers' markets.
Indiana department of health
The department is required to provide triple value benefits, seek necessary federal waivers by September 1, 2026, and implement the program within 30 days of federal approval.
Key Facts
- The Indiana department of health must provide triple value for SNAP benefits when used to purchase produce at participating farmers' markets.
- The Indiana department of health must provide triple value for WIC benefits when used to purchase produce at participating farmers' markets.
- Eligible SNAP markets include those participating in programs funded by the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, including Double Up Indiana and Fresh Bucks.
- Eligible WIC markets include those participating in the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program or the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.
Show all 8 facts
- Implementation is subject to federal approval of any necessary plan amendment, waiver, or authorization from the United States Department of Agriculture.
- The state department must request necessary federal waivers or authorizations not later than September 1, 2026.
- The department may delay implementation until federal authorization is granted and must begin implementation not later than 30 days after approval.
- An emergency is declared, making the act effective upon passage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits are eligible for triple value under this bill?
Where can residents use the tripled benefits?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in Senate committee.
Procedural history
2 actions- Jan 12, 2026SenateIntroducedFirst reading: referred to Committee on Family and Children Services
- Jan 12, 2026SenateAuthored by Senators Ford J.D., Pol
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
iga.in.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance20Lowered because this bill did not pass (its text scored 60)
- Controversy15Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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