SNAP Ruling Does Not Apply to Arkansas, State Says

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A judge’s decision to block restrictions on SNAP benefits does not apply to Arkansas, the state’s Department of Human Services said Tuesday.

The clarification came after national reports about a federal judge in Washington, D.C., blocking the Trump administration from allowing some states to prevent SNAP recipients from buying sugary foods and drinks with their benefits.

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Arkansas was not included in the judge’s order, DHS said in a statement posted Tuesday. The agency said Arkansas’ waiver is still set to take effect July 1.

“Arkansas was not one of the five states included in the recent federal judge’s order blocking the SNAP nutrition waiver. Arkansas’ waiver, which prevents certain products such as candy, soda, and other unhealthy beverages from being purchased in Arkansas with SNAP benefits, is still set to take effect on July 1,” – DHS, via Facebook

The order involved plaintiffs from Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia who challenged similar restrictions. Because the plaintiffs asked the court to block restrictions in those states, Arkansas officials said the ruling does not change Arkansas’ timeline.

Under Arkansas’ waiver, SNAP benefits may no longer be used to buy soda, including regular, diet and low- or no-calorie soda; candy; fruit and vegetable juices with less than 50% real juice; and other unhealthy beverages such as sweetened ready-made coffee or tea drinks and energy drinks.

DHS said the same products will also be restricted from purchase using Summer EBT cards beginning July 1.

SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, is a federal nutrition assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in partnership with state governments.