Overview
- Texas' new SNAP rules, which took effect Wednesday, block purchases of sweetened drinks and candy.
- Drinks with 5 grams or more of added sugar per serving or any artificial sweetener are ineligible, and candy includes items like gum, taffy, and fruit or nuts coated in chocolate, yogurt, or caramel.
- Fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, bread, cereal, and beverages with more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice remain eligible, and stevia and monk fruit are not treated as artificial sweeteners.
- The change follows an August USDA waiver granted after Abbott's request, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is guiding retailers on how to apply the rules.
- About 3.5 million Texans, including 1.7 million children, use SNAP each month, and local groups say residents in areas with few full-service grocers could face longer trips and greater reliance on food banks.