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Arkansas will move forward with a ban on using SNAP for candy and soda despite recent court ruling
By Travis Loller, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 29, 2026
· 4 min read
Arkansas is moving forward with its plan to ban government food aid from being used to buy candy and soda beginning on Wednesday, even though a federal judge ruled last week that similar restrictions in other states violated federal law. Announcing the plan on Monday, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders ...
Key takeaway In a news release, the Arkansas governor's office cited Stanford University research that found restricting the purchase of sugary drinks with food stamps could reduce rates of obesity and type-2 diabetes.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , where nearly one in five residents relies on SNAP benefits, Arkansas' decision to move forward with its ban on using SNAP for candy and soda may have implications for local health initiatives. The city's own efforts to combat obesity and related diseases, such as the Mayor's Fitness Council, may be informed by the outcomes of similar restrictions in other states. As Arkansas cites Stanford University research in support of its ban, San Antonio's own research institutions, such as the University of Texas Health Science Center, may be watching closely to see if restricting SNAP purchases leads to improved diet quality and health outcomes. With Texas being one of the states that has not received a waiver to restrict sugary foods and drinks, San Antonio residents may be affected if similar legislation is introduced at the state level.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Arkansas is moving forward with its plan to ban government food aid from being used to buy candy and soda beginning on Wednesday, even though a federal judge ruled last week that similar restrictions in other states violated federal law. Announcing the plan on Monday, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Travis Loller, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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