The bill amends the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by requiring the Department of Human Services to request a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture to exclude candy and soft drinks from the list of eligible foods. The new section added to Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 76, Subchapter 1, specifies that if the waiver is granted, the purchase of these items with SNAP benefits will be prohibited. Conversely, if the waiver is not granted, the Department is mandated to request the waiver annually until approval is obtained.

This legislative change aims to enhance nutrition within the SNAP program by limiting access to less healthy food options. The bill emphasizes the importance of improving dietary choices for recipients of SNAP benefits, reflecting a growing concern over the consumption of sugary and unhealthy foods among low-income populations.