Arkansas Proposes Major Changes to SNAP Program by Banning Junk Food Purchases

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has unveiled a proposal aimed at limiting the types of foods that can be purchased with food stamps. This initiative makes Arkansas one of the first states to seek federal approval to bar items such as soda and candy from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP.

During a news conference at the Arkansas Capitol on Tuesday, Sanders confirmed that her administration has submitted a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This request seeks to prohibit using SNAP benefits for soft drinks, candy, and snacks made with flour. Conversely, it would expand the list of eligible items to include hot rotisserie chicken, currently excluded from the program.

Sanders remarked, “At present, you can use food stamps for a soft drink or a candy bar at a gas station, but you can’t purchase an Arkansas-raised hot rotisserie chicken from a grocery store. That’s the definition of crazy.”

Support from Federal Officials

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins praised the governor’s move in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. She stated, “Governor Sanders is addressing childhood disease directly, and it all starts with what families choose to consume. The waiver announcement is encouraging, and I’m eager to see the approval process move quickly. I urge more states to follow the bold example set by Arkansas as we strive to Make America Healthy Again.”

This waiver request aligns with the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. This initiative aims to tackle chronic disease and rising healthcare costs by reforming federal nutrition programs.

Sanders highlighted the necessity of this initiative, stating, “We finally have a president who, alongside Secretary Rollins, has concentrated on addressing America’s chronic disease epidemic. Reforming food stamps is a vital first step.”

A Shift Towards State-Driven Solutions

Under the current administration, Trump’s policies regarding food and health have gained prominence, emphasizing state-driven solutions that focus on prevention rather than treatment. Rollins and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are at the forefront of the MAHA initiative, participating in similar SNAP reform discussions in various states, including Indiana.

Rollins commended Arkansas’s state leadership, asserting, “Today’s efforts reaffirm the significance of federalism in all facets of governance. No federal bureaucrat comprehends the needs of Arkansas families better than their own governor.” She further noted that SNAP reform is a key issue for Trump. Rollins remarked, “This was one of the commitments he made during his campaign, and it reflects what the American public desires.”

Health Concerns Linked to Current SNAP Allowances

Governor Sanders expressed concern that the SNAP program, once designed to combat hunger, has been misaligned by outdated regulations and harmful incentives. She reported, “One third of our state’s population suffers from diabetes or is prediabetic. We’re incurring costs on both ends of the healthcare spectrum.”

If granted approval, the waiver would impact nearly 350,000 Arkansans enrolled in the SNAP program, taking effect in July 2026. Sanders noted that approximately 23% of SNAP expenditures, equating to $27 billion annually, are spent on soft drinks, candy, and desserts. Simultaneously, the state allocates $300 million each year on Medicaid to treat chronic illnesses.

Addressing Misconceptions about the Proposal

Sanders emphasized, “This proposal does not entail stripping away benefits. It merely establishes that taxpayers will no longer fund junk food purchases, including candy and soft drinks.” Rollins echoed her sentiments, declaring Arkansas’s plan as a significant advance in public health, while commending Sanders for facing childhood nutrition issues head on.

Rollins explained, “Our aim is to realign the USDA and all taxpayer dollars toward effective and beneficial spending for public health.” Arkansas Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam pointed out the stark contrast between SNAP and Medicaid, where the same agency subsidizes unhealthy foods while expending significant resources to treat the health conditions that arise from them. She stated, “It makes little sense to support foods that contribute to health decline in one program while treating the health impacts in another.”

Criticism and Concerns about the Initiative

Despite the intent behind the proposal, critics, including the Food Research and Action Center, argue that the proposed restrictions are punitive and lack sufficient supporting data. They voice concerns that the initiative may disproportionately affect low-income families. Trade organizations representing the beverage and candy industries have also voiced their disapproval.

American Beverage condemned the proposal, accusing state officials of acting as “food police,” while the National Confectioners Association labeled the initiative as “misguided.”

In response to worries about affordability, Sanders highlighted her administration’s efforts to abolish the state grocery tax. She asserted, “It’s difficult to claim that buying a pack of Skittles satisfies hunger better than purchasing nutritious food.”

No Change to SNAP Funding

Rollins assured that funding levels for SNAP would remain unchanged under the new proposal, explaining, “This initiative merely expands the opportunities for healthier food purchases going forward.” The waiver request was officially submitted on Tuesday and will enter a 30-day public comment period. The USDA and the governor’s office are expected to begin coordination on implementation details promptly.

Sanders expressed optimism, stating, “We hope to move the approval process along quickly.” As of now, the governor’s office has not provided further comment.

Contributions to this report were made by The Associated Press.