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4w ago

Texas Senate Debates Bill to Restrict SNAP Purchases of Junk Food

Senate Bill 379, which aligns with federal public health goals, faces criticism for its potential impact on low-income families and food access.

File photo: Pepsi sodas displayed for purchase at a Walmart Supercenter on December 06, 2022 in Austin, Texas.
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Overview

  • Texas Senate Bill 379 proposes prohibiting SNAP benefits from being used to buy junk food, including soda, candy, chips, and cookies.
  • The bill aims to align SNAP with its original purpose of promoting nutrition, citing USDA data showing significant SNAP spending on unhealthy foods.
  • Critics warn the restrictions could harm low-income families, especially those in food deserts, and suggest incentivizing healthy food purchases instead.
  • The bill requires federal approval before implementation and is part of broader national efforts to address obesity and chronic disease through nutrition-focused reforms.
  • The Trump administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. support similar measures as part of the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative.