Abbott Requests Waiver Prohibiting 'Unhealthy SNAP Purchases'

Governor Greg Abbott (R) is urging the federal government to approve a statewide policy banning the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase what he deems “unhealthy, highly processed food.”

In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Governor Abbott formally requested a waiver from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service to implement restrictions on SNAP purchases. Specifically, the Texas governor wants to prohibit recipients from buying sweetened drinks and candy using taxpayer-funded benefits.

“SNAP serves more than 3.2 million Texans each year and provides more than $7 billion in taxpayer funding to support access to food for those in need,” Governor Abbott wrote. “SNAP was created to increase access to nutritious food; however, many SNAP purchases are for food with little to no nutritious value.”

He framed the proposal as an effort to improve the health of low-income residents and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent on nutritional items that align with SNAP’s original mission.

“We appreciate your efforts to allow states to implement innovative changes to support our citizens to lead healthy and productive lives,” Governor Abbott added.

His request follows a shift in federal policy under the Trump administration that, for the first time, allowed states to seek such restrictions.

If the Trump Administration accepts Governor Abbot's  waiver request, Texas would be among the first states to pursue implementation.

“This letter serves as a formal request from the State of Texas to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to purchase sweetened drinks and candy,” Governor Abbott wrote. “I look forward to the opportunities this approach will bring to improve the health and quality of life for low-income Texans.”