Overview
- Texas will bar SNAP purchases of items such as chocolate bars, candy, gum, many nuts and raisins, vitamins or medications, and sugar-sweetened beverages with 5 grams or more of added sugar or artificial sweeteners starting April 1, 2026, according to HHSC.
- Governor Greg Abbott framed the Texas policy as directing public funds toward foods with nutritional value, and HHSC leadership said access to healthy food remains the goal.
- Washington, D.C. will begin enforcing work or approved-activity requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents on May 1, 2026, requiring at least 80 hours of participation per month.
- D.C. will provide a three-month grace period from May through July with phased recertifications, and authorities estimate about 17,000 residents may be affected with 8,500 to 12,900 potentially losing benefits if they do not qualify or comply.
- Coverage notes that when a household is ruled ineligible, SNAP deposits stop and the associated EBT card and account are deactivated until the person requalifies.