Beginning July 1, Arkansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will no longer be able to use their benefits to purchase soft drinks, candy and certain other products under a new statewide nutrition policy.
The change follows a waiver submitted by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ administration and approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Under the new policy, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase soft drinks, including low- and no-calorie sodas, fruit and vegetable drinks containing less than 50% natural juice, candy and certain other beverages.
“It is crazy that hardworking taxpayers pay for the soft drinks and junk food that make people unhealthy and then pay for the healthcare those people need to get better. Arkansas is fixing that broken system,” said Gov. Sanders. “Government programs need to recognize the link between nutrition and health, which is why Arkansas is leading with common sense and making this long overdue change to our food stamp program.”
To help participants navigate the changes, the Arkansas Department of Human Services has launched a mobile app that allows SNAP recipients to scan grocery items and determine whether they are eligible for purchase using benefits.
“This program will help SNAP beneficiaries make more nutritious choices, and that’s a key step toward improving health outcomes all across our state,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Janet Mann. “Bettering the health of our citizens is an essential part of our mission, and we are grateful to Governor Sanders and the partners who have helped us implement this important program.”
State officials said unhealthy products account for about 23% of SNAP purchases nationwide and cited research linking diets high in sugary foods and beverages to obesity, diabetes and other chronic health conditions.
The SNAP changes are part of a broader effort by the Sanders administration to promote healthier eating through initiatives focused on nutrition, school meals and locally sourced foods.
Photo Credit: iStock/Brian Logan
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