Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) is making headlines this spring after signing a law that changes what millions of low-income Texans can purchase with their food stamp benefits, and the rules kick in on April 1.
Gov. Abbott signed Senate Bill 379 last year as part of Texas' "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, a package of three bills aimed at steering residents toward healthier eating.
Starting this week, Texans using SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps, can no longer buy sodas, most diet drinks, or any candy.
The governor has been vocal in defending the move.
"Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options," Abbott said in a statement, adding that the changes are designed to help families access more nutritional food rather than spend government assistance on sugar-heavy products.
Updated Restrictions
Sweetened drinks containing five or more grams of added sugar per serving are out, as are beverages with artificial sweeteners and all forms of candy, low-sugar options. Shoppers can check nutrition labels to identify restricted items, and retailers are responsible for updating their systems to block ineligible purchases at checkout.
However, about 3.5 million Texans rely on SNAP each month, including 1.7 million children, making the stakes significant.
While the bill passed with bipartisan support, Democratic lawmakers pushed back. Senator Borris Miles of Houston warned that many Texans, particularly in rural areas, lack access to healthier alternatives. Additionally, Senator Nathan Johnson of Dallas argued Abbott's administration should instead boost the purchasing power of food stamps for fresh produce rather than restricting what people can buy.
Critics also worry the law places an unfair burden on small business owners, who must continuously update store systems to stay compliant.
The changes come alongside broader federal cuts to SNAP under the Trump administration, including reduced funding and stricter work requirements, leaving millions of low-income Americans with fewer resources and, now, in Texas, fewer choices.
"Tax dollars shouldn't be used to fund unhealthy diets," Abbott concluded.
