Overview
- Texas, which begins enforcement Wednesday, will block SNAP use for candy and sweetened drinks at store registers, affecting more than 3 million beneficiaries.
- The rules cover drinks with at least five grams of added sugar per serving or any artificial sweetener, plus candy and coated nuts or fruits, with exceptions for milk, milk substitutes, drinks over 50% juice, and medical electrolyte products.
- All SNAP retailers will apply product-level blocks in stores and online, and major chains such as H‑E‑B say they have prepared staff and posted notices.
- Under the USDA‑approved waiver, the state will survey SNAP recipients before and after rollout to see if buying shifts toward healthier items.
- The Texas start lands as 22 states pursue similar waivers, with West Virginia’s retail compliance window closing April 1, Florida beginning April 20, and Colorado delaying its plan pending a vote on April 3.