(AP) – Food stamps could not be used to buy junk food in
Arkansas under a bill filed for the coming legislative session.
The bill by Republican Rep. Mary Bentley of Perryville calls for the state
Department of Human Services to ask for a waiver from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, which administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,
known as food stamps.
The bill does not specify what foods would be prohibited and calls for DHS to
come up with a list, but Bentley told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette says her
idea would include items such as chips, sodas and candy bars.
The Arkansas Grocers and Retail Merchants Association has already met and
agreed to oppose the bill.
The Legislature convenes Jan. 9.
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