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Texas to Restrict SNAP Purchases of Candy, Sugary Drinks
Texas will ban candy and most sweetened drinks with SNAP benefits starting April 1 to promote healthier food choices for about 3.4 million recipients, officials said.
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9 Articles
As of April 1, 2026, beneficiaries of the Texas Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will face new restrictions: they will no longer be able to buy sweets or sugary drinks with the Lone Star card, the system with which they access food aid.
‘Trial and error’: Texas community orgs, retailers prepare as state implements new SNAP restrictions
Starting April 1, Texans won't be able to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to purchase "candy or sweetened drinks." Texas retailers and nonprofits have spent month preparing for the new restrictions — but some recipients may not know until they're checking out at the store.
Starting April 1, 2026, Texas families receiving SNAP benefits will no longer be able to use their Lone Star Card to purchase candy, gum, soda, or artificially sweetened beverages. We explain what has changed, what you can still buy, and how to find out if you qualify for assistance.
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