In a move that's stirring the pot in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has announced the federal approval of a waiver that will shake up the way millions of Texans can use their SNAP benefits. Starting April 1, 2026, candies and certain sweetened drinks will no longer be on the shopping list for recipients of this federal assistance program, according to a press release from the Governor's official website.
"By restricting unhealthy foods from being purchased with SNAP benefits, Texas can help ensure the health and well-being of Texans," Governor Abbott stated in the press release. The new guidelines target sweetened drinks and candy, which, officials argue, are items of negative nutritional value.
Indeed, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) who received the thumbs-up for this waiver, plans to roll out educational efforts for both retailers and SNAP beneficiaries to prepare them for the upcoming changes. The effort is part of a larger aim to pivot the program towards more nutritious offerings that can cater to the 3.5 million low-income residents participating in SNAP, described as a critical food assistance program.
Some specifics mentioned in the HHSC Deputy Executive Commissioner Molly Regan's comments include that, starting from the 2026 cutoff, drinks containing artificial sweeteners or those with five grams or more of added sugar won't make the SNAP cut. Texans looking for more info on SNAP's healthy food initiative can find resources on the HHSC SNP Food Benefits webpage, or by dialing the state's 2-1-1 helpline.
