Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has officially submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeking a waiver that would ban the purchase of soft drinks and candy with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps. The proposed reform marks a bold shift in Arkansas’ approach to improving public health and tackling diet-related chronic diseases across the state.
The move, announced on Monday, targets what Sanders describes as some of the “least-healthy, most-processed” items currently allowed under the federal nutrition assistance program. By eliminating sugary beverages and candy from the list of SNAP-eligible items, the Governor hopes to steer low-income Arkansans toward healthier dietary choices.
“President Trump and his administration have put a laser focus on solving America’s chronic disease epidemic and reforming our food stamp program is a great place to start,” said Governor Sanders. “Banning soft drinks and candy from food stamps will remove some of the least-healthy, most-processed foods from the program and encourage low-income Arkansans to eat better.”
According to state officials, Arkansas has one of the highest rates of diet-related illnesses in the country, with approximately one-third of residents diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes. The financial and social toll of such conditions has prompted a growing call for systemic changes—especially in programs designed to support the state’s most vulnerable populations.
The federal food stamp program currently costs taxpayers about $119 billion annually, with nearly $27 billion—roughly 23%—going toward the purchase of sugar-laden drinks, snacks, candy, and desserts. The Sanders administration believes this trend directly contributes to the nation’s rising rates of obesity and chronic illness.
The waiver submitted by Sanders doesn’t just restrict unhealthy options—it also adds a new, health-conscious item to the SNAP list: rotisserie chicken. Citing its affordability and nutritional value, state officials argue it is a smart substitute that can help SNAP recipients stretch their benefits while eating better.
“Helping Arkansans improve their health is a top priority for our agency across all programs, and encouraging people to use their SNAP benefits for healthier foods is an important step that we believe will be truly beneficial to the people we serve,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam. “This reform will put more nutritious options on the tables of more than 100,000 households across Arkansas who receive SNAP benefits every month.”
To implement the changes, Arkansas plans to use the GS1 US food categorization system, which is a standardized framework that will help accurately identify and separate unhealthy items from approved SNAP purchases.
In addition to these changes to SNAP, Governor Sanders has taken a broader approach to combating food insecurity and poor nutrition across the state. Earlier this year, she signed SB59 into law, a bill that ensures every student in Arkansas receives free breakfast at school. That legislation also reallocated funds from medical marijuana tax revenues to sustain both the Summer EBT program and the state’s free school meal programs for the foreseeable future.
Sanders has consistently emphasized the importance of nutrition in childhood development and academic success. Last summer, Arkansas served over 260,000 children through the Summer EBT program, and she has pledged continued support for similar initiatives in the years to come.
“We recognize the significant academic commitments these students balance alongside their research and appreciate your flexibility and understanding,” said Ms. Jennifer Gordinier, Head of the Upper School Science Research Program. “These accomplishments reflect not only the exceptional talent and hard work of our students but also the dedication of our faculty and the support of our entire school community.”
The waiver submitted this week launches a 30-day public comment period in Arkansas, during which residents can provide feedback on the proposed SNAP reforms. This step is required before the USDA decides whether or not to approve the changes.
Governor Sanders first signaled her intent to pursue the waiver in December 2024. Now that the official request has been mailed, her administration is hopeful that federal officials will support Arkansas’ efforts to become a leader in public health reform through its SNAP program.
If the waiver is approved, Arkansas would join a growing number of states pushing for nutritional improvements in federally funded food programs. Advocates say this approach could serve as a model for other conservative-led states aiming to balance fiscal responsibility with community well-being.
In the meantime, Arkansas officials will continue working behind the scenes to prepare for the potential rollout of the policy changes—including developing the logistics and public outreach needed to ensure a smooth transition.
