New SNAP Bill Could Limit What Texans Buy With Food Stamps

Here’s what’s in it and what it means for more than 3 million Texans who rely on SNAP benefits to feed their families.

A new controversial bill making its way through the Texas Legislature that could change how millions of low-income families shop for groceries. Known as the "Make Texas Healthy Again Bill," certain food and drinks would be banned from being purchased with SNAP benefits.

The bill has already been approved by the Texas Senate and is now heading to the House. According to Sen. Mayes Middleton, the goal isn't just to cut back on taxpayer dollars going toward junk food, it's actually to help decrease the long-term healthcare costs that come with it.

"Taxpayer-funded junk food turns into taxpayer-funded healthcare,” Middleton said, explaining that 20% of SNAP purchases go toward unhealthy options like sweets, sodas, and snacks.

Nobody is arguing that soda is healthy, but not everyone’s on board with the bill.

Critics of the bill say it punishes people in food deserts. Food deserts are places that have very few healthy food options, like those found in low-income and rural areas in Texas.

"In rural areas, just like urban areas… there is no accessibility. Food deserts are real," said Sen. Borris Miles explained.

However, these types of bans and restrictions are not a new concept. Currently, the WIC program has very similar restrictions for families with young children who utilize the program.

Middleton also points out that most SNAP-approved stores are required to carry healthy options.

For now, nothing changes. But for millions of Texans, grocery shopping could look a lot different.