Federal approval has been granted for Texas and five other states seeking to prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs from being used to purchase sugary drinks and other unhealthy snacks. SNAP is administered by the states, but overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Currently, SNAP recipients can purchase anything except alcohol, tobacco, hot and prepared foods, and personal care products with taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits. That will change under a law passed during the regular legislative session. The new law prohibits the use of SNAP benefits in Texas to purchase sweetened drinks and candy.
“It is incredible to see so many states take action at this critical moment in our nation’s history and do something to begin to address chronic health problems,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins at the waiver signing. “President Trump has changed the status quo, and the entire cabinet is taking action to Make America Healthy Again.”
She added, “At USDA, we play a key role in supporting Americans who fall on hard times, and that commitment does not change. Rather, these state waivers promote healthier options for families in need.”
Gov. Abbott thanked Rollins and the Trump administration for approving the waiver request.
“By restricting unhealthy foods from being purchased with SNAP benefits, Texas can help ensure the health and well-being of Texans,” said Abbott. “The new SNAP guidelines will ensure taxpayer dollars are used to purchase foods that provide real nutritional value.”
Texas’ SNAP program is administered by the state’s Health and Human Services Commission. It provides food access to nearly 3.5 million low-income Texans.
Waivers similar to Texas’ were also approved for Louisiana, Oklahoma, Colorado, West Virginia, and Florida.
Now that Texas has received the waiver from the USDA, the new law will take effect April 1, 2026.
