Candy, Soda Still Available for Food Stamp Recipients Despite Bill Signing

By Greg Pruett • April 15, 2025

Gov. Brad Little has signed HB 109, which seeks to ban soda and candy from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).

What’s Happening: As the Make America Healthy Again movement heats up, states are looking at ways to curb unhealthy options through the SNAP program. Currently, the federal program allows purchasing candy, soda, and other processed goods. Some states are fighting back and demanding that only healthier food be bought.

Arkansas was one of the first states to petition the federal government to remove candy and soda from the program. Indiana and Idaho will soon submit waivers.

Digging Deeper: There was much debate and discussion about the soda and candy ban for SNAP. Proponents said that Idaho’s ban on the products was a good move and that taxpayer money should not be used to fund people’s unhealthy eating habits.

Opponents of the legislation said that the government should not decide what is and is not healthy. Some also argued that HB 109 was being used to shame poor people who had to use the program.

It is important to note that HB 109 does not ban soda and candy from SNAP, but it does require Idaho’s Health and Welfare director to petition the federal government to remove them. If the federal government does not remove soda and candy from SNAP, they will remain in the program.