Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has called for reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary-Designate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary-Designate Brooke Rollins. In the letter, Sanders criticized SNAP for allowing the purchase of unhealthy, processed foods such as soda, candy, and snacks, which make up nearly 23% of all SNAP spending, totaling $25 billion annually. She argued that this policy contributes to widespread health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
As a mother of three, Sanders emphasized the impact of chronic health conditions on maternal health, particularly in Arkansas, where one-third of the state suffers from diabetes or pre-diabetes, and 40% struggles with obesity. She referenced research suggesting that banning sugary drinks from SNAP could prevent obesity in 141,000 children and Type 2 diabetes in 240,000 adults.
The Governor also highlighted the potential benefits of supporting Arkansas farmers by encouraging the purchase of locally grown produce and proteins through SNAP. She urged the secretaries to work together to eliminate the use of SNAP for junk food purchases and notified them of her intent to pursue a SNAP waiver from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. This waiver would focus on promoting healthy food options like fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and protein while prohibiting junk food purchases, aligning with Sanders’ broader goal of improving public health and supporting American agriculture.
