The Texas Senate passed a bill on Monday night that would prohibit SNAP recipients from buying things like soda, chips, and candy.
SB 379 proposes restricting the types of food and drink items that can be purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Texas.
The bill defines specifics items that would be prohibited from purchase, including energy drinks (beverages with at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces), sweetened beverages, carbonated drinks, candy, potato or corn chips, and cookies.
However, the bill includes numerous exceptions to these restrictions, such as milk products, milk substitutes, beverages with zero-calorie sweeteners, infant formula, weight reduction beverages, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and products fortified with vitamins, minerals, or protein.
The legislation aims to limit the use of public assistance funds for what are considered less nutritious food and drink items, while still allowing recipients to purchase a wide range of alternative products.
SB 379 will now go before the Texas House before it is put before the governor. If passed, the bill would take effect in September 2025.
To read the full bill, click here
