Texas Bans SNAP for Junk Food
What happened
Texas will ban SNAP benefits for junk food starting April 1, aiming to cut waste from the $7B annual distribution.
Why it matters
The new rules, set to begin April 1, will prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for items like candy, sweetened drinks, and snacks with added sugar. This aligns Texas with a growing number of states seeking to restrict SNAP purchases to promote healthier choices. Specifically, the ban targets non-alcoholic beverages with 5 grams or more of added sugar or any artificial sweetener. It also includes candies, gum, and fruits or nuts coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel. Milk, plant-based milk alternatives, and 100% fruit or vegetable juices are still allowed. Texas officials say the goal is to encourage better nutrition among the 3.3 million Texans who rely on SNAP. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is educating retailers and recipients about the changes. Surveys will be conducted to determine if the changes lead to healthier food choices. The ban is a result of Senate Bill 379, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature and approved by the USDA. Governor Abbott has stated that Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options.
Key numbers
- Texas will ban SNAP benefits for junk food starting April 1, aiming to cut waste from the $7B annual distribution.
- The new rules, set to begin April 1, will prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for items like candy, sweetened drinks, and snacks with added sugar.
- Specifically, the ban targets non-alcoholic beverages with 5 grams or more of added sugar or any artificial sweetener.
- Milk, plant-based milk alternatives, and 100% fruit or vegetable juices are still allowed.
What happens next
- The new rules, set to begin April 1, will prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for items like candy, sweetened drinks, and snacks with added sugar.
- Specifically, the ban targets non-alcoholic beverages with 5 grams or more of added sugar or any artificial sweetener.
- Surveys will be conducted to determine if the changes lead to healthier food choices.
Sources
Quick answers
What happened in Texas Bans SNAP for Junk Food?
Texas will ban SNAP benefits for junk food starting April 1, aiming to cut waste from the $7B annual distribution.
Why does Texas Bans SNAP for Junk Food matter?
The new rules, set to begin April 1, will prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for items like candy, sweetened drinks, and snacks with added sugar. This aligns Texas with a growing number of states seeking to restrict SNAP purchases to promote healthier choices. Specifically, the ban targets non-alcoholic beverages with 5 grams or more of added sugar or any artificial sweetener. It also includes candies, gum, and fruits or nuts coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel. Milk, plant-based milk alternatives, and 100% fruit or vegetable juices are still allowed. Texas officials say the goal is to encourage better nutrition among the 3.3 million Texans who rely on SNAP. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is educating retailers and recipients about the changes. Surveys will be conducted to determine if the changes lead to healthier food choices. The ban is a result of Senate Bill 379, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature and approved by the USDA. Governor Abbott has stated that Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options.
