Republican governors in two states are pushing to ban the purchase of candy, soda and fruit beverages by families receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps).
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said her goal is to improve the health of low-income people who receive welfare benefits from the state.
Nearly 350,000 people in Arkansas receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Sanders said taxpayers are “subsidizing poor heath” for people who buy candy, sodas and other sweet treats with SNAP benefits.
“Taxpayers are subsidizing poor health,” Sanders said on Tuesday. “We’re paying for it on the front end and the back end.”
She said junk food contributes to health problems such as “obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and a wide range of chronic health conditions across America.”
Indiana’s government is also pushing for bans targeting candy and soda. More than 610,000 people in Indiana receive SNAP benefits.
If approved, Arkansas and Indiana’s bans on candy and soda would take effect in July 2026. After that date, Arkansas and Indiana residents can no longer use SNAP to buy candy, chocolate made with flour such as Kit Kat bars, and sodas or fruit drinks that contain less than 50% real fruit juice.
