
SNAP Users in Texas May Face Restrictions Buying These Items
Over 10% of the Texas population receives SNAP benefits. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 3,193,000 Texas residents in 2024 received SNAP benefits.

SNAP is available to those with low income who struggle to put healthy food on their table and gives them a way to purchase food for themselves and their families. This frees up their remaining income for other necessities such as rent.
Why Are Their Bans Coming to SNAP Benefits?
Back in December the Governor of Arkansas Sarah Sanders penned a letter to RFJ Jr. about the need to reform SNAP. She expressed concern about how SNAP is failing to provide proper nutritional assistance and the amount of junk food that is being purchased with SNAP.
Read More: State Governor Pushes to Ban Junk Food with Food Stamps—Will Texas Be Next?
Governor Sanders isn't the only one with concerns. On January 16, 2025, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Health SNAP Act. If the bill is passed then those on SNAP would no longer be able to purchase unhealthy foods with their benefits. If this passes it means that those Texans on SNAP would no longer be able to buy junk food.
What foods would be excluded if the Healthy SNAP Act passes:
- candy
- soft drinks
- ice cream
- prepared desserts
According to Congressman Brecheen, 20% of all SNAP spending is on these foods, with 10% on sugary drinks. If the Health SNAP Act passes it would also require that eligible foods on SNAP would promote the health of those receiving the benefits.
Others backing the Health SNAP Act are Andy Bigs, David Sch and Paul Gosar from Arizona, Michael Cloud from Texas, Glen Grothman from Wisconsin, Dan Meuser from Pennsylvania, Mary Miller from Illinois,
Many people believe that even though they are receiving assistance they should be able to buy the kind of food they want. For those who do eat as healthy as possible while using SNAP benefits, and like to enjoy a sweet treat or drink on occasion, they won't have that option anymore.
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Gallery Credit: Leslie Morgan