US EditionSNAP Junk-Food Purchase Restrictions Start April 1 in Texas — See What Other States Have Bans
Feeding Texas says the change affects about 3.4 million recipients and leaves eligibility unchanged as retailers update point-of-sale systems.
- Starting April 1, Texas SNAP recipients can no longer purchase candy, soda, energy drinks, and prepared desserts under restrictions mandated by Senate Bill 379, passed during the 89th Texas Legislature.
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott requested the waiver, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture granted to align with the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" campaign; Texas joins 22 mostly Republican-led states implementing similar restrictions.
- Feeding Texas CEO Celia Cole said about 3.4 million Texans use SNAP, three-quarters of whom are older people, children, and people with disabilities; advocacy groups warn the restrictions could impact families struggling with food insecurity.
- Retailers must update point-of-sale systems to detect prohibited items, though SNAP benefits still cover essentials like produce, meat, dairy, and grains for recipients navigating the new rules.
- These restrictions follow federal cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which reduced SNAP funding by $186 billion through 2034 and imposed stricter work requirements for participants aged 18 to 65.
12 Articles
12 Articles
SNAP goes lean in Texas: Grimes County residents share thoughts on banned items
Texas eliminates candy and sugary drinks from SNAP benefit purchases.Watch the full story here: SNAP goes lean in Texas: Grimes County residents share thoughts on banned itemsBig changes are coming to Texas beginning April 1 as new rules go into effect for SNAP benefits, targeting what you can buy by eliminating candy, sweets, and most sugary drinks. The changes are mandated by Senate Bill 379 under the state's "Make America Healthy Again" initi…
As of April 1, 2026, beneficiaries of the Texas Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will face new restrictions: they will no longer be able to buy sweets or sugary drinks with the Lone Star card, the system with which they access food aid.
‘Trial and error’: Texas community orgs, retailers prepare as state implements new SNAP restrictions
Starting April 1, Texans won't be able to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to purchase "candy or sweetened drinks." Texas retailers and nonprofits have spent month preparing for the new restrictions — but some recipients may not know until they're checking out at the store.
Starting April 1, 2026, Texas families receiving SNAP benefits will no longer be able to use their Lone Star Card to purchase candy, gum, soda, or artificially sweetened beverages. We explain what has changed, what you can still buy, and how to find out if you qualify for assistance.
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