Arkansas Bans Candy, Soda Purchases with Food Stamps
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Arkansas submitted a waiver to the federal government to ban the purchase of candy and soda with SNAP benefits. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders argues this will encourage healthier choices among low-income residents, while also proposing adding rotisserie chicken to eligible SNAP items. The USDA Secretary supports the initiative, aiming to fund healthy eating. The move has drawn criticism from the candy and beverage industry, citing similar spending habits between SNAP and non-SNAP users. Arkansas plans to use the GS1 categorization model for easier implementation.
Arkansas submitted a waiver to the federal government to ban the purchase of candy and soda with SNAP benefits. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders argues this will encourage healthier choices among low-income residents, while also proposing adding rotisserie chicken to eligible SNAP items. The USDA Secretary supports the initiative, aiming to fund healthy eating. The move has drawn criticism from the candy and beverage industry, citing similar spending habits between SNAP and non-SNAP users. Arkansas plans to use the GS1 categorization model for easier implementation.
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