Arkansas Gets Federal OK To Restrict Candy and Soda in SNAP

Arkansas has received a federal waiver to exclude candy, soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, and other unhealthy drinks from purchases made with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The change is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s approval of Arkansas’s request for the waiver reflects a national shift under the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again initiative. Similar waivers intended to promote healthier food choices have been approved for Idaho, Utah, Nebraska, Indiana, and Iowa.

As of March, nearly 8% of Arkansas residents — about 241,000 people — received SNAP benefits, according to preliminary federal data. A 2023 USDA report noted that 34% of Arkansas households participating in SNAP included children.

Arkansas also ranks among the states with the highest rates of both obesity and food insecurity. While some support purchase restrictions to address these challenges, others have raised concerns about the potential for stigma, reduced autonomy for participants, and the lack of clear evidence that restrictions alone lead to improved diet quality.

In a previous blog post, ACHI discussed research indicating that strategies to improve the nutritional quality of SNAP purchases are most effective when restrictions are paired with meaningful incentives such as discounts on fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious options. As Arkansas implements its new SNAP restrictions, it will be useful to monitor their impact, particularly in communities facing food insecurity.

For more information about SNAP, including eligibility requirements, participation trends, and the evidence regarding purchase incentives and restrictions, see our explainer.