Arkansas and Indiana submitted waivers to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeking permission to ban soda and candy from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The Details: Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) said, “It is clear that the current system encourages and subsidizes the overconsumption of unhealthy, highly processed and addictive food and beverages,” and that she hopes this change to SNAP will help reduce chronic illness in her state. The plan, which would take effect in July 2026, will exclude soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, “unhealthy drinks,” candy, and artificially sweetened candy. It would also allow SNAP benefits to apply to rotisserie chicken, which is currently excluded.

For Context: SNAP runs through the USDA but is administered by individual states, and benefits can be applied to “any food or food product intended for human consumption,” except alcohol, tobacco, and hot foods.

How the Media Covered It: The Washington Times (Lean Right bias) focused on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s support, including his remark to Huckabee, “I urge every governor across America to follow your lead.” Associated Press (Left) and The Hill (Center) both included comments from opposition groups, including The American Beverage Association, The National Confectioners Association, and antihunger groups, all of which argued that SNAP participants are no more likely than other low-income Americans to be unhealthy or buy sugary drinks and snack foods.

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