In April 2025, two more U.S. states—Arkansas and Indiana—have taken a bold step to change how SNAP benefits (also known as food stamps) are used.
Both states have asked for federal approval from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) to ban the use of SNAP benefits on foods they believe are harmful to health, such as sugary drinks, candy, and low-fruit juices.
The proposals are part of a wider plan to promote healthier eating and reduce the number of health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in low-income communities.
What Are SNAP Benefits?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal aid program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. People get monthly benefits on an EBT card, which they can use at grocery stores and approved retailers to buy eligible food items.
Currently, SNAP can be used to buy a wide variety of food—including sugary items like soda, candy, and chips—but not hot prepared foods like rotisserie chicken.
Why Are Arkansas and Indiana Making These Changes?
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ Proposal
Governor Sanders wants to:
- Ban sodas, even diet versions
- Stop SNAP from covering juices with less than 50% real fruit
- Remove candy and sweets like Kit Kat bars
- Ban artificially sweetened foods
- Allow hot prepared foods like rotisserie chicken, which were previously restricted
She argues that SNAP is contributing to poor health, stating, “You can buy a Coke or candy bar at a gas station, but not a hot chicken at the grocery store.”
Arkansas spends about $300 million each year on Medicaid to treat diet-related diseases, and Governor Sanders believes taxpayers shouldn’t bear the burden of others’ unhealthy food choices.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun’s Proposal
Governor Braun’s plan is a bit less aggressive. He wants to:
- Remove sodas and candy from SNAP-eligible items
- Does not include allowing hot foods like rotisserie chicken
- Add stricter work requirements for SNAP recipients
- Improve income verification
- Check for errors in payment distribution
Braun shared his plan during an event titled “Make Indiana Healthy Again”, with support from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Oz.
USDA Response and Federal Support
The USDA has the final say on whether these changes will be approved. However, Brooke Rollins, the new Agriculture Secretary, has shown support for these proposals. These efforts also align with President-elect Donald Trump’s broader health campaign called “Make America Healthy Again”.
If approved, Arkansas’ new SNAP rules could start by July 2026, with a 30-day public comment period before any changes are enforced.
How Much Can You Receive Under SNAP in 2025?
The maximum monthly SNAP benefits depend on the number of people in a household and their income. As per 2025 USDA guidelines for 48 states and DC:
- 1 person: $292
- 2 people: $536
- 3 people: $768
- 4 people: $975
- 5 people: $1,158
- 6 people: $1,390
- 7 people: $1,536
- 8 people: $1,756
- Each additional person: + $220
States like Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the Virgin Islands have higher limits due to a higher cost of living.