LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Last year, the legislature ordered changes to what qualifies for purchase under the state\u2019s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Those will go into effect with permission from the USDA.<\/p>\n
South Plains Food Bank CEO Dina Jeffries said there\u2019s a reason for these changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government is wanting to focus more on nutritious food being purchased with the SNAP dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, we encourage you to use your SNAP dollars on things like fresh produce and proteins,\u201d Jeffries said.<\/p>\n
The South Plains Food Bank said it\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Even a Gold Peak tea doesn\u2019t sound bad, but it has 48 grams of sugar so it\u2019s not eligible to purchase. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to read the labels and know what you\u2019re getting at the grocery store.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are changes we\u2019re all going to work together and help educate each other,\u201d Jeffries said.<\/p>\n
Candied nuts, raisins and fruits are also ineligible for purchase. As chief operations officer Travis Johnson said, its part of the food bank\u2019s mission to help build a stronger and healthier community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe better we eat, the better we fuel our bodies and the better we fuel our bodies, the more we can thrive, whether that\u2019s in school or in society in general,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
The food bank is making upgrades to ensure SNAP users can eat healthy every day.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are hoping we push more food out to these agency partners and what you can\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The agency is now offering weekly mobile food pantries at several different locations to fight food insecurity.<\/p>\n
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