food stamps

Some Texans on SNAP say the ban on using food stamps to buy sugary drinks and candy prevents quick fixes to low blood sugar conditions.

Texas has a 91% Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, accuracy rate — which could mean the state will be responsible for more than $700 million in benefits costs. If Texas has to cover part of the benefits costs, it would be the first time since the program started in the 1960s.

New restrictions on federal food stamp benefits include banning sweetened drinks and candy.

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, Texans will no longer be allowed to use food stamps to buy sweetened beverages and candy.

Last year, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed funding for a summer food assistance program despite Texas’s high rates of food insecurity, citing concerns over matching federal funds. Advocates want the state to reconsider, highlighting concerns about how food insecurity rates are expected to increase when students are on summer break.

The Department of Homeland Security wants to eliminate guidelines around what public benefits can be considered in a "public charge" determination. Experts and advocates warn it could lead to a "chilling effect" in migrant communities.

The high court's decision keeps in place a chaotic situation. People who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in some states have received their full monthly allocations, while others have received nothing.

As the federal government shutdown continues, food banks and community organizations are under more pressure to meet the increased need for food assistance and resources. Dallas County commissioners approved a $1 million donation to the North Texas Food Bank to help address that need.

The North Texas Food Bank reaches 12 counties and services approximately 460,000 people.

The move comes as officials began notifying Texans that benefits from Supplemental Food Assistance and Nutrition Program, or SNAP, will be cut off in November if the government shutdown continues.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1 as the government shutdown drags on. The cutoff would expand the impact of the impasse to some of the Americans most in need unless a resolution is found in just a few days.