Texas SNAP Users: New Rules on Sweetened Drinks & Candy

It's April 1st. Welcome in. This is Dallas News Today, where local news meets AI.

Starting this Wednesday, April 1st, Snap users in Texas lose the option to buy sweetened

drinks and candy with their benefits. Governor Greg Abbott pushed for this change,

and the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a waiver back in August to steer folks toward

healthier. Eats. The rules target candy outright, plus any drinks loaded with artificial sweeteners,

or packing five grams or more of added sugar per serving. This lines up with Abbott's

goal from last year to make sure public funds go to food with real nutrition. Snap helps

millions of Texans put food on the table during tough times, working like a debit card at stores

for stuff like fruits, veggies, meat, cereals, milk, and even seeds for gardens. It's all about

getting nutritious basics to those who qualify. State health officials are rolling out guides

right now for retailers, spelling out what's still located by, and how they'll check compliance

moving. Forward. This shift could nudge more healthy habits across Texas families,

with the new limits kicking in any day now.