Texas lawmakers debate bill banning soda, candy from SNAP benefits
Texas could ban soda, candy from SNAP benefits
Texas lawmakers are debating a bill that would prevent people from using SNAP benefits on junk food like soda, candy, chips, and cookies
DALLAS - Texas lawmakers are debating a bill that would prevent people from using SNAP benefits on junk food.
What we know:
Senate Bill 379 would prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from being used on items like soda, energy drinks, candy, chips, and cookies.
More than 3.3 million Texans utilize SNAP benefits, which used to be referred to as food stamps.
Republican State Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston said he filed SB 379 to get back to the original intent of the SNAP program and focus on nutrition.
Senate to debate bill banning soda, candy from SNAP benefits
Texas lawmakers will debate a bill that would prevent people from using SNAP benefits on junk food. FOX 4's Shannon Murray explains.
While SNAP funding is 100% federal funding, multiple states have passed or are proposing similar legislation.
The bill comes as there is a push at the federal level under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restrict ultra-processed foods and additives.
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What they're saying:
Republican lawmakers say the bill is about removing food and drinks with little nutritional value from the government assistance program.
"The USDA's stated purpose for the SNAP program is nutritious food essential to health and wellbeing. Well, junk food certainly doesn't fit that purpose," Sen. Middleton said. "So having those types of foods and drinks qualified under the program is actually contrary to the entire purpose of the SNAP program, the food stamp program."
It's no secret that Americans are less healthy compared to decades ago.
"We're certainly seeing a significant amount more childhood obesity, prediabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels, even in our kids these days," said Leslie Redden, a nurse practitioner at Prism Health North Texas.
WIC, another federal program that provides food assistance for families, already prohibits the purchase of certain items like soda and candy.
The other side:
Critics argue people using SNAP should have the ability to decide what is best for their families, including treats for their kids or food for medical needs, like treating a blood sugar crash.
They also point out the lack of access to grocery stores and say many people on food stamps rely on convenience stores where healthy food is limited.
FILE - A stocked soda aisle is pictured in a file image. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Redden said access to healthy food is a big issue near her clinic in South Dallas, an area that is a prime example of what's considered a food desert.
"Some of our patients, you know, walk to the closest convenience store and don't necessarily have access to drive or things like that. So it's just so much bigger than just saying hey, let’s take out all the unhealthy food choices when you have limited access to that dollar amount as well," she said.
She also doesn't believe taking away the option to purchase certain foods will make people eat healthier.
"All of us who, even those of us who have access to really great food chains, know that when you walk in and you buy all the healthier foods, it costs us more money," she said.
What's next:
The full Senate will debate SB 379 on Monday.
If it makes it out of the Senate, it will then go to the House for consideration.
The Source: The information in this story comes from the Texas Senate agenda and committee reports.