Indiana does not participate in the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program in 2026. Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has declined to participate for the second consecutive year, with FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob publicly citing a lack of $5–7 million in administrative funding. The decision affects hundreds of thousands of Hoosier children who would otherwise qualify.
Indiana is also one of the first states in the country to restrict what SNAP recipients can buy — the “Smart SNAP” candy and soda ban took effect January 1, 2026. Together, these two developments make Indiana one of the most significant SNAP policy states to understand heading into summer.
Does Indiana Have SUN Bucks or Summer EBT?
No — Indiana has not participated in Summer EBT in 2026 or 2025. Indiana did participate in [current_year-2] (2024), when the program fed over 660,000 Hoosier children. After that one-year run, the Braun Administration opted out.
FSSA Secretary Roob stated plainly in December 2025: “We don’t have the money to run the food stamp program as it is at this point. We’ve got to find $35 million more to run the food stamp program next fiscal year.” The $5–7 million needed to administer SUN Bucks is on top of that deficit. The state also faces a projected $37 million increase in SNAP administrative costs in fiscal year 2027 — rising to approximately $50 million annually — due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s expansion of state cost-share requirements from 50% to 75% of administrative costs starting October 2026.
Advocates including the Indy Hunger Network are already working toward 2026 (2027) participation, though the expanding cost landscape makes near-term participation unlikely.
Indiana “Smart SNAP” — Candy and Soda Ban Since January 1, 2026
While Indiana does not have SUN Bucks, it was the first state in the country to receive federal approval for a SNAP food restriction waiver — and its “Smart SNAP” rules took effect January 1, 2026.
Governor Mike Braun signed an executive order in April 2025 directing FSSA to request a federal waiver to ban candy and sugary drinks from SNAP purchases as part of his “Make Indiana Healthy Again” initiative. USDA approved Indiana’s waiver in May 2025.
Approximately 610,000 Hoosiers — about 9% of Indiana’s population — receive SNAP benefits and are subject to these rules.
What is now BANNED from Indiana SNAP purchases:
- Soda and soft drinks — all carbonated beverages with natural or artificial sweeteners
- Energy drinks — including Red Bull, Monster, and similar products
- Sports drinks — including Gatorade and Powerade
- Sweetened iced tea — bottled or canned tea with added sweeteners
- Water mixed with sweeteners — enhanced water products with added sugar or artificial sweeteners
- Candy — sugar, honey, or sweetener preparations in bar, drop, or piece form
- Chocolate chips and marshmallows
- Fruit strips (e.g., Fruit Roll-Ups)
- Gum and mints
- Kettle corn and caramel popcorn — popcorn with added sugar coating
What is STILL ALLOWED:
- Chips and regular (unsweetened) popcorn — regular potato chips, corn chips, etc. remain eligible
- Ice cream and frozen desserts — ice cream stays on the menu
- Unsweetened iced tea
- 100% fruit juice
- Milk and milk-based beverages (including sweetened flavored milk)
- Milk substitute beverages (soy, rice, oat milk)
- Water — plain and sparkling without sweeteners
- Pediatric electrolyte drinks (Pedialyte and similar)
Edge cases: Dairy is the deciding factor for sweetened coffee drinks. Kit Kats (wafer-based) were allowed initially due to their flour content; M&Ms and Skittles are not. Definitions have caused some confusion among retailers and shoppers — if you’re unsure about a specific item, check with FSSA or your retailer. Indiana’s waiver is in effect for two years through 2027 and may be extended.
For the full guide to Indiana’s SNAP restrictions, see Indiana SNAP food restrictions.
Summer Food Assistance Available to Indiana Families
1. Indiana SNAP — Year-Round Through FSSA
Indiana SNAP benefits continue year-round through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). Monthly food benefits are not reduced in summer — though the Smart SNAP restrictions on candy and soda remain in effect.
Indiana SNAP is managed by FSSA with approximately 610,000 Hoosiers receiving benefits at an average of approximately $187 per person per month.
- Apply online: fssabenefits.in.gov
- FSSA phone: 1-800-403-0864
- Find local office: Search your county at in.gov/fssa
Check your Indiana SNAP EBT balance and see Indiana SNAP income limits. To apply, see how to apply for SNAP benefits in Indiana.
2. Summer Food Service Program — Free Meals at Community Sites
The USDA’s Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to all children 18 and under at community sites throughout Indiana. No application, no EBT card, and no income verification is required at the site.
Sites include schools, parks, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and community centers across Indiana. Coverage is stronger in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, and other urban areas.
How to find a summer meal site in Indiana:
- Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) — the national summer meals hotline
- Text “FOOD” to 304-304
- Visit fns.usda.gov/meals/find-sites
- Dial 211 — Indiana 211 is available statewide
3. WIC — For Families With Young Children
Indiana families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, infant, or child under 5 may qualify for WIC. Indiana WIC is administered by the Indiana Department of Health through local WIC agencies.
Check WIC income eligibility in Indiana to see if your family qualifies.
4. Indiana Food Banks
Indiana’s food bank network provides free groceries and summer programs:
- Feeding Indiana’s Hungry (FIsH) — the statewide advocacy and network organization; feedingindianashungry.org
- Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana — Greater Indianapolis area; gleaners.org
- Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry — Northwest Indiana
- Community Harvest Food Bank — Northeast Indiana (Fort Wayne area); communityharvest.org
- Tri-State Food Bank — Southwest Indiana (Evansville area); tristatefoodbank.org
- Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana — Muncie/Anderson area; secondharvest.net
Dial 211 to find the nearest food pantry, food bank distribution, or free summer meal program in your area.
5. LIHEAP — Energy Assistance
Indiana SNAP households automatically meet LIHEAP income requirements for energy bill assistance. See the LIHEAP program guide for how to apply before summer cooling costs rise.
Will Indiana Join Summer EBT in the Future?
Indiana participated in [current_year-2] (2024) only, and has declined in 2025 and 2026. Advocates note that the state’s growing SNAP cost burden under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act makes near-term participation more difficult, not less.
The Indy Hunger Network and Feeding Indiana’s Hungry continue to advocate for future participation. Emily Bryant, executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, noted: “SNAP benefits don’t change in the summer. So when kids are home, it’s not as though there’s any additional benefit that families have to help pay the grocery bill.”
To urge Indiana to join, contact your state legislators or Governor Braun’s office at in.gov/gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Indiana have SUN Bucks in 2026?
No — Indiana has not participated in Summer EBT since 2024. FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob cited a lack of $5–7 million in administrative funding as the reason for opting out again in 2026. Indiana participated once — in 2024 — when the program reached over 660,000 Hoosier children.
Why did Indiana participate in 2024 but not 2025 or 2026?
Indiana’s 2024 participation carried over from the pandemic-era administration. When Governor Braun’s administration took office, it concluded that the necessary groundwork had not been completed for 2025, and subsequently declined again for 2026 citing cost concerns.
Can I still buy soda and candy with my Indiana EBT card?
No — Indiana’s “Smart SNAP” ban on candy and sugary drinks has been in effect since January 1, 2026. Soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, sweetened iced tea, candy, gum, fruit strips, and kettle/caramel popcorn are all banned. Chips, ice cream, unsweetened tea, juice, and milk remain allowed.
What food assistance is available to Indiana families in summer?
Indiana SNAP continues year-round. The Summer Food Service Program provides free hot meals to all children 18 and under at community sites — call 1-866-3-HUNGRY to find a site. Indiana food banks also provide free groceries.
How do I apply for Indiana SNAP?
Apply online at fssabenefits.in.gov or call FSSA at 1-800-403-0864. See applying for food stamps in Indiana for step-by-step guidance.
For the national Summer EBT overview and participating states, see the SUN Bucks program guide. To check your Indiana SNAP eligibility, use the food assistance qualification tool.