SNAP Users in Texas One Step Closer to Losing Access to Junk Food
The Texas legislature has been busy so far in 2025. On any given year the legislature files over 6,000 bills and about 1/3 of those pass both houses and are signed by the governor. The Texas Senate recently passed a bill that will affect those on SNAP benefits.
Texas Senate Passes a Bill to Ban Junk Food From Being Purchased with SNAP
Senate Bill 379 has passed a bill limiting the purchase of "junk food" by those using SNAP Benefits.
What Food Will Be Banned from SNAP Purchases?
- Energy drinks
- Sweetened beverages
- Carbonated beverages
- Packaged Candy, Chips and Cookies
Read More: Texans on SNAP May Not Be Able to Buy Junk Food if Law Passes |
The bill was passed on to the House of Representatives on April 1st, it will now go on to committee and if it passes the House committee it will then move onto a vote. This will likely pass since the House has submitted similar bills HB 3188 and HB 5243 both of which aimed to ban these foods from SNAP Benefits.
Make Texas Health Again
According to the group Make Texas Health Again, obesity rates in Texas have jumped over 42% in the last 50 years, with diabetes diagnoses jumping from over one million to 37 million. Many believe this is attributed to processed foods making up over 50% of the average Texan diet.
This ban doesn't mean that those on SNAP can't enjoy a sweet treat, however, it does mean that they will have to make them from scratch with purchased ingredients. They will not be allowed to buy the packaged versions.
The ban hasn't happened just yet, as mentioned it still has to pass the Texas House of Representatives and a signature from Governor Abbott.