Gov. Greg Abbott has formally requested a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for the purchase of unhealthy foods, such as soda and candy.
The move, announced in a letter sent to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, marks a significant push to reshape the nutritional standards of SNAP purchases in Texas.
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is the largest federal nutrition assistance program, helping over 41 million Americans afford groceries each year. While the program’s stated goal is to increase access to nutritious food, critics argue that a substantial portion of SNAP benefits are currently spent on items with little or no nutritional value.
USDA data cited by Texas lawmakers indicates that about 20 percent of SNAP dollars go toward sugary drinks and snack foods, with sweetened beverages alone accounting for 9.3 percent of expenditures.
Abbott’s letter emphasizes that SNAP was created to promote nutrition and health, but instead “many SNAP purchases are for food with little to no nutritious value.” He wrote that the waiver would ensure “taxpayer dollars are used only to purchase healthy, nutritious food.”
The governor’s request aligns with recent legislative action in Texas. Senate Bill 379, authored by State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R–Galveston), seeks to ban the use of SNAP benefits for products such as soda, candy, cookies, potato chips, corn chips, and energy drinks. The bill defines these as foods with minimal nutritional value, particularly those sold in ready-to-eat packaging.
Supporters of the bill argue that restricting junk food purchases will help combat rising rates of obesity and diet-related illnesses in Texas, reduce healthcare costs, and better align SNAP with its original intent.
“Taxpayer-funded junk food turns into taxpayer-funded healthcare,” Middleton commented on the Senate floor.
Texas is not alone in seeking such restrictions. Governors in several states, including West Virginia, Idaho, Indiana, and Arkansas, have also requested waivers to restrict SNAP purchases of soda and candy.
Historically, however, the USDA has rejected all state applications for waivers to limit SNAP purchases, citing concerns over implementation, fairness, and the rights of recipients.
However, Rollins has indicated openness to approving these waivers under the current administration. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also expressed support for state-led efforts to improve nutrition among SNAP recipients.
“I look forward to the opportunities this approach will bring to improve the health and quality of life for low-income Texans,” said Abbott.
Abbott’s waiver request now awaits a response from the USDA.
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