Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently announced a plan to restrict the purchase of junk food items using food stamps in the state. The governor aims to ban items such as soda and candy from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and expand eligible items to include healthier options like hot rotisserie chicken.
The move, part of the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, seeks to address chronic diseases and healthcare costs by reforming federal nutrition programs. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins praised Sanders for taking a bold step towards improving public health through nutrition.
The waiver request submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture would affect nearly 350,000 Arkansas residents enrolled in SNAP and is set to take effect in July 2026 if approved. The state spends $300 million annually treating chronic illnesses through Medicaid, with 23% of SNAP spending going towards soft drinks, candy, and desserts.
Critics argue that the restrictions are punitive and not supported by data, while trade groups representing beverage and candy manufacturers have criticized the move. However, Sanders and Rollins maintain that the goal is to encourage healthier food choices and curb the rising rates of chronic diseases in the state.
The waiver request is currently open for a 30-day public comment period, and the USDA and the governor’s office are expected to begin coordination on implementation details soon. Sanders hopes for swift approval of the plan, emphasizing that the goal is to provide better and more healthy food options for SNAP recipients in Arkansas.
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