Low-income Arkansans who rely on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will soon not be able to use the program to purchase candy or sugary drinks, including soda. The big picture: Arkansas is among at least six states seeking to reform the program at the state level.

Junk food purchases using SNAP benefits have been banned in three more states, taking the national total to six. Arkansas, Idaho and Utah have all had waivers approved that will ban unhealthy purchases from being made using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits,

Families relying on SNAP benefits may need to adjust their shopping habits as new changes aim to improve public health and nutrition among low-income households.