Texas cuts candy and soda from SNAP benefits
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Texans receiving SNAP benefits will no longer be able to buy most sweetened beverages and candy with the money starting Wednesday.
Why it matters: The changes apply to all 3.3 million Texans who have SNAP benefits, sometimes known as food stamps, and are intended to encourage healthier eating.
Context: The Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 379, coauthored by Republican state Sen. Angela Paxton from Collin County, last year to cut candy and sweetened drinks from SNAP.
How it works: Drinks are considered sweetened if they have more than 5 grams of sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener, per the new restrictions.
- The candy restriction includes chocolate bars, sour candy, gum and taffy.
- Also no longer covered: nuts, raisins or fruits that have been candied, crystalized, glazed or coated with chocolate, yogurt or caramel.
What they're saying: "Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. "By implementing these changes, we encourage better nutrition and ensure this program helps families access nutritional food."
The other side: Advocacy group Every Texan says that the new rules — combined with a proposed federal rule that would increase the minimum number of staple food varieties and perishable foods that SNAP retailers must carry — could push some retailers to opt out of the program.
- "Adding requirements for expensive perishable items while simultaneously restricting SNAP purchases of shelf-stable items compromises millions of Texans' health by risking their access points to food," according to the group.
Reality check: Fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products and other pantry staples are still covered by SNAP.
- Medical-grade electrolyte drinks are also covered, along with beverages with natural sweeteners such as stevia as long as they are within the sugar limit.
What's next: The state will need to survey SNAP recipients before and after the policy changes to determine if the changes encouraged healthier food choices, per SB 379.