SNAP Nutrition Waiver FAQ - Arkansas Department of Human Services

What is the SNAP Nutrition Waiver? The SNAP Nutrition Waiver is a program designed to encourage healthy, nutritious eating. Under this program, candy, soda, and other unhealthy beverages can no longer be purchased in Arkansas using SNAP benefits.

When does the SNAP Nutrition Waiver start? The SNAP Nutrition Waiver program will go into effect on July 1, 2026. That means foods restricted under the waiver like candy, soda, and other unhealthy beverages can’t be purchased with SNAP benefits starting on this day.

How does this promote healthier eating? The Arkansas Department of Human Services distributes tens of millions of dollars in SNAP benefits across our state every month. This program helps ensure that these funds are used for grocery items that provide nutritional value.

Will the SNAP Nutrition Waiver affect me? Everyone who gets SNAP benefits must follow the new rules about what foods and drinks SNAP benefits can be used to buy.

What items are no longer eligible for purchase with my EBT card? In Arkansas, the following items can no longer be purchased with your EBT card:

Candy

Soda (regular, diet, or low/no-calorie)

Fruit and vegetable juices with less than 50% real juice

Other unhealthy beverages (ready-made drinks like coffee or tea with sugar or artificial sweeteners, energy drinks, etc.)

Will I still be able to buy baby formula with SNAP? Yes.

Will I be able to purchase nutritional supplement drinks with SNAP? Yes.

How will I know what I can and can’t purchase while shopping? More detailed information about the restricted foods is posted on our website at ar.gov/SNAP. There is also a link there to download our app, which can be used to scan bar codes in retail locations to determine if food is restricted for purchase using SNAP benefits.

How do I handle the checkout process if I have ineligible items in my cart? If you have items that are not eligible for purchase with your SNAP benefits when you are ready to check out, you will need to pay for them separately with cash or a credit/debit card.

Will the SNAP Nutrition Waiver affect my Summer EBT benefits? The same products will be restricted from purchase using a Summer EBT card. Starting July 1, you won’t be able to buy candy, soda, or other unhealthy beverages with Summer EBT or SNAP benefits.

What if I order grocery items using SNAP benefits online? The same restrictions on purchasing candy, soda, and other unhealthy beverages will apply. Online SNAP retailers are required to follow the policies in place in the state where the cardholder lives.

Can I use my SNAP card in other states with different policies? You may use your SNAP card to purchase groceries in person in another state, and the SNAP policies in effect in that state will be applied. The Arkansas Department of Human Services cannot advise on specific SNAP policies in other states, but many states are implementing similar nutrition programs to encourage healthy eating.