WASHINGTON – Statement from American Beverage on today’s news of Arkansas’ SNAP waiver submission into the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

“It’s disappointing that Governor Sanders and Secretary Rollins are choosing to be the food police rather than take truly meaningful steps to lift people off SNAP with good-paying jobs. Nearly 80 percent of families on SNAP work, they just don’t make enough to make ends meet. Low-income working families were promised a new, better era and not to be left behind again. Instead, they’re being denigrated and treated like second-class citizens. 

“Make no mistake, this waiver won’t make an ounce of difference on health. Obesity has skyrocketed in the last two decades while beverage calories per serving have dropped by 42%—thanks to our industry’s efforts to empower Americans with more choice and information. In fact, 60% of beverages Americans buy today have zero sugar due to our innovation.

“If Governor Sanders is serious about making Arkansas healthy again, this would be a comprehensive effort — not one narrowly focused on excluding one population from buying just two sets of products in the grocery store. 

“If the Governor is sincere about what taxpayers can buy with SNAP dollars, this sends a ridiculously conflicted message: it’s okay to buy a wide array of desserts, snack cakes and treats, just not soda and candy. How does that make sense? Now if Arkansas really wanted to save its taxpayers money, it could eliminate the $44.7 million in SNAP fraud and overpayments in the state.

“America’s beverage companies will always stand with our consumers and their right to make the best decisions for their families. We are working every day to deliver more choices and information and do our part in making America healthier. And we’re providing the good-paying, family-supporting jobs the president wants – the type of jobs that don’t require you to be on SNAP in the first place. Just as with our consumers, our workers and products don’t deserve to be denigrated either.” 

America’s beverage companies are an integral part of the Arkansas economy and its solutions toward healthier living. The beverage industry supports 1,385 direct jobs across 42 facilities statewide, contributing $391.9 million to the state’s economy. 

American Beverage selected Little Rock as just one of five cities nationwide for its community-driven work through the Balanced Calories Initiative. American Beverage partnered with several local organizations – including Keith Jackson’s Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids (PARK), University District Development Corporation (UDDC) and the Derek Lewis Foundation – to promote the benefits of healthier habits with nutrition education and physical activity. This initiative also made lower-calorie options more available in stores, placed reminders about balance and calories at checkout and doubled down on marketing zero-sugar beverages.

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