BEAUMONT — Texas is cutting what some call a billion-dollar sweet tooth.
Starting April 1, Texans using SNAP benefits — the Lone Star Card — will no longer be able to use those taxpayer-funded dollars to buy soda, candy, sugary drinks or energy drinks.
The change comes as Texas distributes roughly $7 billion a year in SNAP benefits statewide.
Based on federal purchase data showing about one in five SNAP dollars nationwide goes toward sugary drinks, desserts and snack foods, that means an estimated $1.5 billion annually could be spent on junk food in Texas alone.
State leaders say that’s exactly the problem.
During the bill signing on August 27, when Senate Bill 379 became law, Governor Greg Abbott said, “Taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund chronic health problems in our state.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s report “Foods Typically Purchased by SNAP Households” found soft drinks rank as the number one item purchased with SNAP benefits nationwide. Candy ranks ninth.
Supporters of the new Texas law argue the move is about improving public health and making sure government assistance is spent on staples like fruits, vegetables, dairy and proteins — not high-sugar snacks.
“Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a news release.
“By implementing these changes, we encourage better nutrition and ensure this program helps families access nutritional food. I thank the Trump Administration, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their work to strengthen this program and better serve Texans.”
Critics, however, argue the policy limits personal choice and does not address larger issues such as food deserts, affordability, or access to healthier options.
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program administered by states to help low-income families buy groceries. Texas is among the largest SNAP states in the country.
Beginning April 1, Lone Star Card users will see those changes at checkout.
SNAP is a federal program administered by HHSC that provides food assistance to approximately 3.3 million low-income Texans. Benefits allow SNAP recipients to purchase foods like fruits and vegetables, meats, cereals, milk, plants and garden seeds.
Visit the SNAP Food Benefits webpage or dial 2-1-1 to learn about SNAP and other programs and services.
TOP 10 SNAP PURCHASES (Nationwide)
Source: USDA “Foods Typically Purchased by SNAP Households”
Soft drinksFluid milkGround beefBag snacks (chips, pretzels, etc.)CheeseBaked breadsCold cerealFresh chickenCandyBaby food