Texas Lawmakers Closer To Banning Using SNAP Benefits To Purchase Junk Food and Soda

Texas Lawmakers are closer to further restricting what Texans on food stamps can purchase. But the move isn't without controversy.

The Texas Senate has voted to ban food stamp recipients from purchasing junk food and soda. The vote came this week on Senate Bill 379 and passed overwhelmingly 22-8. The bill would ban food stamp recipients from using SNAP benefits on junk food items.

The legislation now heads to the Texas House.

What Foods and Drinks Would Be Banned From SNAP in Texas?

Supporters of the legislation say that SNAP benefits should only be used to purchase nutritious foods. Senate Bill 379 would ban SNAP benefits from being used to purchase the following:

• Chips
• Sodas
• Energy Drinks
• Cookies
• Candy
• Other Highly-processed Items

ABC13 in Houston reports that if the bill is passed out of the House and is signed by the Governor, Texas will still have to get permission from the federal government since SNAP is a federal program.

Items Already Banned For SNAP Users

There are already many items that food stamp recipients can't buy. Here's a list of what you can't buy using SNAP.

• Beer, Wine, Liquor
• Cigarettes or Tobacco
• Vitamins, Medicines, and Supplements
• Foods that are hot at point of sale
• Pet Food
• Cleaning Supplies, Paper Products, and Household Products
• Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store)

We will continue to follow this legislation as it works its way through the Texas House and possibly to the Governor's desk.