New SNAP Food Restrictions Take Effect Wednesday in Arkansas

Arkansas residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits will see new restrictions on what they can buy beginning Wednesday.

Under a nutrition waiver approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase soda, candy and several other sugary beverages. The change is part of a two-year pilot program aimed at encouraging healthier food choices.

According to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, the restrictions apply to regular, diet and zero-sugar sodas, candy, fruit and vegetable drinks containing less than 50 percent real juice, and many sweetened ready-to-drink coffees, teas and energy drinks.

The change does not reduce the amount of monthly SNAP benefits recipients receive. Instead, it limits how those benefits can be spent.

Most staple grocery items, including fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, cereal and frozen foods, will remain eligible. Arkansas has also added rotisserie chickens to the list of approved SNAP purchases.

The new restrictions take effect July 1 and will remain in place for two years while state and federal officials evaluate the program’s impact.