Texas takes aim at junk food | Possible new SNAP rules

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Senate has approved Senate Bill 379, a measure that would prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using their benefits to purchase soda, candy, chips and other highly processed foods with little to no nutritional value.

A similar push is being made at the federal level.

RELATED: Trump officials want to ban junk food from SNAP. Past efforts show it’s not easy to do

The legislation now moves to the Texas House for consideration.

Under SB 379, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to buy sweetened beverages, candy, chips, cookies and other ultra-processed items.

The bill aims to align SNAP purchases with the program’s original intent of providing nutritious food to low-income individuals and families.

If passed by the House and signed into law, the restrictions would take effect in September 2025.

Supporters of the legislation, including its author Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston), argue that taxpayer dollars should not subsidize unhealthy food choices that contribute to obesity, diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Advocacy group Make Texans Healthy Again praised the bill as a step toward improving public health and reducing healthcare costs.

“Health isn’t just about what we eat, it’s about what we don’t eat,” Make Texans Healthy Again founder Travis McCormick said. “This bill aligns SNAP purchases with basic nutrition standards and helps protect vulnerable Texans from poor health outcomes.”

The bill is part of a growing bipartisan effort in Texas to reform SNAP policies by promoting healthier eating habits. Companion legislation has already been filed in the Texas House. However, critics warn that such restrictions could disproportionately affect low-income communities with limited access to fresh and nutritious foods.

If enacted, SB 379 would require federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture before implementation.