The Texas Health and Human Services Commission reminds Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients that they can no longer buy candy or sweetened drinks with their Lone Star Cards starting April 1.
“Texas is leading the way in aligning SNAP benefits with healthier food options,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “By implementing these changes, we encourage better nutrition and ensure this program helps families access nutritional food. I thank the Trump Administration and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their work to strengthen this program and better serve Texans.”
The new restrictions prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to purchase candy, gum or sweetened drinks, including beverages made with water that contain 5 grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener. The restrictions also apply to fruit, raisins and nuts that have been candied, crystalized, glazed or coated with chocolate, yogurt or caramel.
Last year, Abbott submitted a letter to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) requesting a waiver to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to purchase unhealthy junk foods and assuring taxpayer dollars were used to purchase healthy, nutritious food. The 89th Texas Legislature outlined the SNAP purchase restrictions in Senate Bill 379, which Abbott signed into law. FNS approved the waiver in August 2025.
SNAP is a federal program administered by HHSC that provides food assistance to approximately 3.3 million low-income Texans. Benefits allow SNAP recipients to purchase foods like fruits and vegetables, meats, cereals, milk, plants and garden seeds.
Based on Texas Health and Human Services data for 2025 benefit month, there were 1,270 households and 2,961 individuals eligible to receive (SNAP) benefits in Hockley County. These recipients were part of the roughly 3.47 million Texans (about 11% of the state population) receiving SNAP benefits during the 2025 fiscal year.