SNAP restrictions on sugar intake to impact 3.4 million Texans

TYLER — Starting this April, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will no longer allow purchasing candy or drinks with more than 5 grams of sugar or artificial sweetener. However, SNAP card shoppers will still be able to purchase electrolyte drinks, coffee creamers and any ingredients on the baking side.

Celia Cole, with Feeding Texas, says the responsibility for following the new rules will not fall on shoppers. “Shoppers will not be penalized. It is up to the retailers to make sure that they are implementing the restrictions accurately,” Cole explains.

The new rules affect 3.4 million Texans. Oklahoma and Louisiana have already implemented these restrictions, paving the way for states like Texas, Florida and Colorado to officially enact them next month.

If restrictions on SNAP increase, food banks and kitchens will feel the pressure. ‘Feed My Lambs’ Community Kitchen, located at St. Vincent de Paul, provides hot lunches every Wednesday and a weekly grocery pick-up.

“They’re concerned because they’re aware of the changes that are coming up, and they think that that’s going to bring in demand, so more people using our community kitchen, and also possibly change the donations that we receive,” Alicia Brownell, Director of ‘Feed My Lambs’ Community Kitchen, said.

Brownell said that even if demand increases, they will still be allowed to give out whatever food they receive through donations.

Items that can no longer be purchased through SNAP next month include:

Candy
Soda
Energy Drinks
Yogurt and chocolate-covered fruit
Gum