New SNAP rules have healthy impact

TYLER — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new requirements for SNAP retailers will directly affect millions of people who depend on the program, especially in communities where healthy food is already hard to find. Under the updated rules, grocery stores that accept SNAP must stock more than twice as many whole?food items as before, including proteins, grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables. For the 3 million Texans who use SNAP, this could mean better access to healthier choices in stores that previously offered limited options.

But the impact won’t be the same for everyone:
For SNAP users:

Better variety for families trying to stretch benefits while still eating nutritious meals.
More healthy foods on shelves — especially in small or rural stores that previously carried mostly processed items.
Potentially higher prices if retailers pass along the cost of stocking more perishable foods.

For communities with food insecurity

The East Texas Food Bank says SNAP provides nine times more meals than food pantries can supply. That means any change to SNAP retailers affects far more people than local charities can cover.

Healthy options only help if they’re available and affordable — something many rural Texans still struggle with.
For food pantries

Places like Nacogdoches HOPE, which already serves 400 people a week, are feeling the strain. Executive Director Diedra Harrison says rising grocery costs and shifting SNAP rules have pushed more people to seek help.

The pantry has seen 70 new clients since the recent SNAP changes. If demand keeps rising, Harrison worries food pantries won’t be able to keep up.

“We’re working hard to find grants and new funding so we can order more food,” she says.

Still, Nacogdoches HOPE continues to prioritize healthy eating, distributing 300 boxes of fresh produce every Thursday.
When the changes take effect

The new USDA requirements begin this fall, and their impact will depend on how well stores, especially small, rural retailers, can adapt.