LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Last year, the legislature ordered changes to what qualifies for purchase under the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Those will go into effect with permission from the USDA.
South Plains Food Bank CEO Dina Jeffries said there’s a reason for these changes.
“The government is wanting to focus more on nutritious food being purchased with the SNAP dollars.”
Along with sweetened drinks that contain five or more grams of sugar, candy bars, gum and taffy are off the table with SNAP benefits in Texas.
“Therefore, we encourage you to use your SNAP dollars on things like fresh produce and proteins,” Jeffries said.
The South Plains Food Bank said it’s going to take some adjusting for shoppers to use their SNAP benefits starting April 1. A normal Coca-Cola has 65 grams of sugar, so you will not be able to purchase those with SNAP benefits.
A Coke Zero sounds like it would be eligible because it has no sugar, but it has artificial sweeteners, so you will not be able to purchase that as well.
Even a Gold Peak tea doesn’t sound bad, but it has 48 grams of sugar so it’s not eligible to purchase. That’s why it’s important to read the labels and know what you’re getting at the grocery store.
“These are changes we’re all going to work together and help educate each other,” Jeffries said.
Candied nuts, raisins and fruits are also ineligible for purchase. As chief operations officer Travis Johnson said, its part of the food bank’s mission to help build a stronger and healthier community.
“The better we eat, the better we fuel our bodies and the better we fuel our bodies, the more we can thrive, whether that’s in school or in society in general,” Johnson said.
The food bank is making upgrades to ensure SNAP users can eat healthy every day.
“We are hoping we push more food out to these agency partners and what you can’t get in the grocery stores with your snap dollars, you will be able to go to these other agencies and receive food product in that way.”
The agency is now offering weekly mobile food pantries at several different locations to fight food insecurity.
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