Summary
Starting April 1, Texas will restrict the use of SNAP benefits to prevent recipients from buying candy, gum, and sweetened drinks. These changes, affecting 3.3 million SNAP recipients in Texas, follow a waiver approved by the USDA. Similar rules exist in other states like Indiana and Oklahoma.
Key Facts
- Texas will change how SNAP benefits can be used starting April 1.
- SNAP recipients in Texas will not be able to use their benefits to buy candy, gum, or sweetened drinks.
- The Texas Health and Human Services Commission manages SNAP in Texas.
- The federal government approved these changes in August 2025.
- Sweetened drinks are defined as nonalcoholic drinks with added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Exceptions include milk-based drinks and those with over 50% fruit or vegetable juice.
- The changes are part of a larger trend, as some other states already have similar restrictions.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission support these changes for better nutrition.
