Arkansas – Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has submitted a formal request to the United States Department of Agriculture seeking approval to implement significant changes to the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The proposal, aimed at encouraging healthier food choices among low-income residents, includes banning the purchase of soft drinks and candy with SNAP benefits while adding rotisserie chicken as an eligible item.
The initiative is being promoted as part of a broader food stamp reform plan designed to reduce diet-related health issues across the state. According to data cited by the governor’s office, one-third of Arkansans are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Additionally, Arkansas’ Medicaid program reportedly spends at least $300 million annually on the treatment of chronic illnesses, much of which stems from poor dietary habits.
The plan targets some of the most commonly purchased unhealthy items, such as soda, candy, and processed snacks. Citing national data, state officials noted that nearly $27 billion of SNAP funds are spent each year on these types of products.
Governor Sanders stated that removing these items from the program would eliminate some of the “least-healthy, most-processed foods” and help promote better nutrition among recipients.
In contrast to the proposed bans, the reform also seeks to expand the list of SNAP-eligible foods by including rotisserie chicken. The ready-to-eat protein is being presented as a healthy and affordable option for families who may lack the time or resources to cook full meals.
The governor’s office also emphasized the need for practical policy implementation, proposing the use of the GS1 US food categorization system to simplify the process for retailers.
The reform plan is in line with ongoing efforts by former President Donald Trump and his administration, which had emphasized combating chronic diseases through dietary improvement.
Supporters of the proposal argue that it represents a sensible, conservative approach to addressing long-term health care costs while promoting responsible government spending.
The governor’s office described the waiver request as a “strong first step” in modernizing the food stamp program and positioning Arkansas as a leader in nutrition-focused public policy.
The USDA is expected to review the waiver in the coming months. If approved, Arkansas could become one of the first states to implement such targeted food restrictions within SNAP.