JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas SNAP recipients will soon face new restrictions on what they can buy with their benefits after the state announced changes aimed at encouraging healthier eating.
Under a new SNAP nutrition waiver approved for Arkansas, certain items including soda, candy and some sweetened beverages will no longer be eligible for purchase using SNAP benefits beginning July 1, 2026.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services said the program is intended to improve health outcomes by steering SNAP dollars toward foods with nutritional value.
According to DHS, restricted items will include:
- Soda, including regular, diet and low- or no-calorie varieties
- Candy
- Fruit and vegetable juices containing less than 50% real juice
- Other beverages considered unhealthy, including ready-made coffee or tea drinks containing sugar or artificial sweeteners, as well as energy drinks
: Arkansas SNAP Nutrition Waiver FAQ
The policy will apply to all Arkansas SNAP recipients, including those using Summer EBT benefits…