SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, provide critical financial assistance to millions of American households in need. These monthly benefits help families buy nutritious food and groceries at participating stores. In 2023, 8.1% of Arkansas residents were relying on SNAP, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Recently, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has made a bold move that could impact SNAP recipients nationwide, proposing significant changes to the program.
Governor Huckabee’s Proposal to Restrict SNAP Purchases of Junk Food
Governor Sanders has sent a letter to the USDA’s Brooke Rollins and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging them to address the growing concern over the use of SNAP benefits for unhealthy foods. She points out that nearly 23% of all SNAP purchases, or about $25 billion annually, are spent on junk foods such as soda, candy, unhealthy snacks, and desserts. Sanders argues that these purchases are contributing to rising health issues like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension across the country.
To combat this, Sanders is pushing for restrictions on the use of SNAP benefits for these unhealthy items. She also plans to support local Arkansas farmers by allowing SNAP benefits to be used exclusively for purchasing healthier foods like livestock, eggs, beef, peanuts, strawberries, sweet potatoes, rice, and more. The governor intends to request a waiver from the USDA to implement this change in Arkansas. Waivers allow states to make adjustments to how they administer SNAP benefits, giving them more flexibility in their approach.
What Do Advocates Say About the Proposed Changes?
While the proposal has received backing from some local farmers, it has raised concerns among advocates for low-income families. Many of these families live in food deserts, particularly in rural areas where access to fresh, healthy food is limited. Advocates argue that such restrictions could harm these communities by limiting their options for buying food in areas where healthier alternatives are not readily available.
Andrew Grobmyer, Executive Vice President of the Agricultural Council of Arkansas, commented that the debate over SNAP benefits and food assistance programs will continue into the next year, particularly as discussions around the farm bill heat up. He hopes that the changes to the program will encourage families to buy more nutritious and locally sourced products, such as Arkansas-grown rice.
What Could Happen Next?
In the past, states have used waivers to expand access to SNAP benefits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These waivers allowed for online grocery shopping, streamlined application processes, and lifted time restrictions on benefits. However, no state has yet implemented a waiver to restrict SNAP purchases based on food healthiness. Currently, certain items like alcohol, pet food, and vitamins are already prohibited from being purchased with SNAP benefits.
Where Can You Use Your SNAP Benefits?
SNAP benefits can be used at various stores, both local and online, across the United States. The USDA provides a list of participating stores, and beneficiaries can shop for approved food items. Some of the top stores that accept SNAP include:
- Amazon (51 territories)
- Walmart (50 territories)
- Target (50 territories)
- Costco (48 territories)
- Whole Foods (44 territories)
- Sam’s Club Scan and Go (43 territories)
It’s important to note that the availability of SNAP at specific stores may vary by state, so it’s essential to check the USDA’s website for up-to-date information on participating locations.
