Abbott Proposes Limiting SNAP Benefits' Usage on Unwholesome, Processed Foods in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott's Push for Healthier Food Options:
Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, has taken a stand on nutrition, seeking a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to outlaw spending SNAP benefits on unhealthy foods within the Lone Star State.
In a bold move, Abbott penned a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, expressing his desire for this waiver, believing it would safeguard taxpayer funds for nutritious fare. He expressed optimism that this approach would foster improvements in the health and overall quality of life for low-income Texans.
As many as 3.2 million Texans rely on SNAP benefits, a federal program that assists low-income Americans in purchasing food. The monthly cap for a household of three stands at $768, as per the USDA.
Following their "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, Rollins and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced in April their call for governors to submit waivers to modify SNAP purchases. This initiative aims to limit purchases of unhealthy food items, such as soda, high-sugar juices, and candy.
Iowa, Arkansas, Indiana, and Nebraska have already requested waivers for restricting SNAP purchases of such foods.
The Texas House of Representatives is considering a bill that would prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing highly processed foods, encompassing sweetened beverages, chips, candy, and cookies. Previously, the state Senate passed this bill in March. Similar proposals have emerged in other states at the hands of Republican lawmakers.
Critics contend that such restrictions could prove arduous to monitor, potentially limit individual freedoms, and complicate grocery budgets for the already disadvantaged. Furthermore, convenience stores and other food outlets may become challenging options for SNAP recipients residing in food deserts, areas lacking access to affordable, nutritious food.
Congress is deliberating on substantial cuts to the SNAP program and transferring some of the program's costs to the states.
This revised article originated from The Texas Tribune, accessible at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/15/snap-benefits-texas-snap-restrictions/.
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy; more information can be found at texastribune.org.
[1] Source: The Texas Tribune (2025). Gov. Greg Abbott's SNAP waiver request.[2] Source: The New York Times (2025). USDA acknowledges Governor Abbott's SNAP waiver request.[3] Source: Texas Senate (2025). SB 379 - Proposed SNAP restrictions.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) acknowledged Governor Greg Abbott's request for a waiver to limit the purchase of unhealthy foods using SNAP benefits within Texas, following a push for healthier diet options.
- In a move towards policy-and-legislation aimed at health-and-wellness, Texas House of Representatives is considering a bill that would restrict the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing highly processed foods, and the state Senate passed a similar proposal months ago.
- A variety of states, such as Iowa, Arkansas, Indiana, and Nebraska, have already submitted waiver requests to modify SNAP purchases, aligning with the "Make America Healthy Again" agenda announced by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
- The waiver request penned by Governor Abbott is currently under review, as its implementation could have far-reaching implications for the overall news landscape, as well as political debate over policy-and-legislation related to general-news topics like health-and-wellness, nutrition, and the role of government in shaping the availability and affordability of healthy-diets for low-income citizens.
