USDA approves SNAP waivers for 3 states, where does Arkansas' stand?
Video: Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces plan to remove sugary foods from SNAP from April 2025.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — After Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a plan to remove sugary foods from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, three states have had waivers approved.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has approved waivers for Nebraska, Indiana and Iowa to remove sodas and sugary and unhealthy foods since the start of May, the first three states to be approved.
Indiana and Arkansas were the first states to announce plans to ban soft drinks and candy from the program that helps low-income people pay for groceries.
However, a spokesperson from the Arkansas Department of Human Services told KNWA/FOX24 on Tuesday that the state's waiver is still pending approval from the USDA.
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Sanders said in a presser on April 15 that 23% of food stamp spending goes toward soft drinks, unhealthy snacks, candy and desserts. She said the waiver will ensure that taxpayers' dollars are spent on healthier food options.
The plan, which would go into effect in July 2026, would exclude soda, including no- and low-calorie soda; fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice; 'unhealthy drinks;' candy, including confections made with flour, like Kit Kat bars; and artificially sweetened candy.
A waiver signed by Arkansas Secretary of Health and Human Services Kristi Putnam said the exclusion would not extend to flavored water, carbonated flavored water, and sports drinks.
One item would be added to the list of foods eligible for SNAP benefits: hot, ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken.
Sander said in the April presser that if approved, the waiver would last for five years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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