Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently introduced two significant legislative initiatives aimed at addressing food-related challenges in Arkansas: the Grocery Tax Relief Act and the Good Neighbor Act.
The Grocery Tax Relief Act seeks to eliminate the state-level grocery tax on food ingredients, aiming to alleviate financial pressure on Arkansas families by returning approximately $10.9 million annually to taxpayers. While local grocery taxes will persist, this measure targets the state’s regressive tax, which has been a burden for many households.
Governor Sanders highlighted the necessity of this legislation amid rising food prices, attributing these increases to federal policies.
“The Grocery Tax Relief Act ends our state’s most regressive tax, providing much-needed relief to families who are just trying to put food on the table,” she said.
The Good Neighbor Act is designed to combat food waste and foster generosity by expanding legal protections for food donors. This includes a wide range of potential donors such as grocers, farmers, schools, and hospitals, who can now donate surplus food without fear of legal repercussions. The act, supported by Senator Breanne Davis and Representative Chad Puryear, encourages community involvement in addressing hunger issues by facilitating the donation of leftover food.
These legislative efforts align with Governor Sanders’ broader strategy to tackle food insecurity in the state. Earlier in the year, she enacted SB59, which ensures all students in Arkansas have access to a free breakfast.
Additionally, the Governor’s office is utilizing revenue from medical marijuana taxes to support and expand the summer EBT program and enhance free meal offerings for students, ensuring these programs remain sustainable.
The continuation of the summer EBT program, which benefited 260,000 residents last year, and plans to extend free lunches to more students, further underscore the administration’s commitment to equitable food access and financial relief in Arkansas.
These initiatives reflect a concerted effort to create a more supportive and inclusive community by addressing the root causes of hunger and financial strain.
