AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Starting Wednesday, April 1, the "junk food ban" officially goes into effect for Texans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Under the new regulations, the Texas Lone Star Card will no longer be accepted for high-sugar snacks and sweetened beverages at checkout counters.
The restrictions, established by the Legislature in Senate Bill 379, aim to pivot taxpayer-funded nutritional assistance toward healthier outcomes. The ban primarily targets products with high sugar content and low nutritional value, including:
- Sweets: Candy bars, gum, taffy, and fruits that are candied, crystallized, or glazed
- Coated Snacks: Any items coated in chocolate, yogurt, or caramel
- Sugary Drinks: Nonalcoholic beverages containing five grams or more of added sugar or certain artificial sweeteners, including most sodas and sports drinks
A full list of restrictions can be found on the web here.
The legislation was championed by state lawmakers, including state senator Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola), who framed the move as a necessary intervention for public health rather than a punitive measure.
"Our health outcomes compared to other countries—we’re sicker and we’re fatter," Hughes stated, citing rising rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. "This isn't about punishing folks, it's about helping people."
SB 379 is part of a broader "Better Eating" legislative package, which includes SB 314 (phasing out certain food dyes in school lunches) and SB 25 (stricter food labeling requirements).
Hughes indicated that the legislature will monitor the impact of these changes over the coming year to determine if further adjustments are needed during the next session.
