Investing.com -- In a unique move, Arkansas has become the first state to request the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prohibit the purchase of soda and candy using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as food stamps.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, backed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has indicated her readiness to approve state requests that aim to limit the range of products SNAP recipients can purchase with their benefits. SNAP is currently utilized by over 41 million Americans across the country.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Secretary Rollins publicized the request during a joint press conference on Tuesday. Rollins expressed optimism about the USDA’s quick approval of the state’s request. She also mentioned that a conference call between USDA and state officials is planned for Wednesday to discuss the matter further.
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