SNAP Recipients In Texas Are No Longer Allowed To Purchase Candy or Soda With Benefits

It's April 1 in Texas and that means the State of Texas has joined with other several other states in restricting what those on food stamps can purchase with those benefits.

Texas Issues News Restrictions on SNAP Benefits

Starting April 1, those on SNAP benefits will no longer be allowed to purchase candy or soda. According to the Texas Tribune any sweetened drink that has 5 grams or more of added sugar will be banned.

SB 379 bans the purchase of any sweetened drinks that contain 5 grams or more of added sugar per serving or any amount of artificial sweetener, such as regular and most diet sodas or drinks made with less than 50% vegetable or fruit juice. Under the bill, candy is banned, including candy bars, gum, taffy, nuts, raisins or fruits that have been candied, crystalized, glazed or coated with chocolate, yogurt or caramel.

Make Texas Healthy Again

This is in addition to items already banned by SNAP including tobacco, alcohol, vitamins, medicine, and other non-food items. According to KAMC, more than 3 million Texans are on SNAP.

During the last Texas Legislative session, Texas lawmakers passed Senate Bill 379. It was an effort to Make Texas Healthy Again. The bill was supported by the Trump administration.

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22 states have put in some time of restrictions or bans on sugary drinks and candy.