Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and some state legislators have proposed prohibiting the purchase of certain unhealthy foods with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Arkansas. These proposals come as Congress debates reauthorizing the Farm Bill, which governs the program; the outcome of these deliberations could significantly impact the future structure and funding of SNAP and related programs.
Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the goals of increasing food security and reducing hunger. It provides financial support and nutrition education to low-income individuals and families to help them make informed decisions when buying groceries.
This explainer provides an overview of SNAP, examining its history, eligibility requirements, benefits, state and national trends in participation, and evidence regarding the use of incentives and disincentives to promote healthy eating by participants.
