Houston Daily

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the purchase of sweetened drinks and candy. The new rules, requested by Governor Greg Abbott, will take effect on April 1, 2026.

“By restricting unhealthy foods from being purchased with SNAP benefits, Texas can help ensure the health and well-being of Texans,” said Governor Abbott. “The new SNAP guidelines will ensure taxpayer dollars are used to purchase foods that provide real nutritional value. I thank Secretary Brooke Rollins and the Trump Administration for their approval of Texas’ waiver to promote healthy eating habits. Working together, we will build a stronger, healthier Texas.”

“Access to healthy foods is important, and SNAP is important to millions of families,” said HHSC Deputy Executive Commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services Molly Regan. “These changes will help Texans improve their health outcomes, well-being, and quality of life.”

Earlier in the year, Governor Abbott sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service asking for a waiver to stop SNAP benefits from being used for sweetened drinks and candy.

Starting next April, SNAP recipients in Texas will not be able to use their benefits for candy or drinks containing artificial sweeteners or five grams or more of added sugar. The HHSC is informing retailers about which foods are eligible under SNAP and how the rules will be enforced.

SNAP is a federal program run by HHSC that helps about 3.5 million low-income Texans buy nutritious food such as fruits, vegetables, meats, cereals, milk, plants, and garden seeds. Benefits can also be used for online food purchases.

More information about SNAP Food Benefits is available on the HHSC website at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits.