Economy

Red states win waivers to ban sugary food from SNAP benefits

Arkansas, Idaho and Utah joined three other states this week.
Sodas and energy drink are stacked and line the shelves in a grocery store. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has granted six Republican-controlled states new waivers to ban participants in food assistance programs from purchasing sugary drinks and candy.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins this week signed waivers allowing Arkansas, Idaho and Utah to limit purchases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Those states join Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska, which already received waivers.

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