Texas food stamp bill bans junk food purchases

A proposed Texas bill would prohibit residents from using food stamps to buy junk food, including energy drinks and sweets.

State Rep. Briscoe Cain said the bill was intended to limit the spread of diabetes and other diet-related health problems. The bill would also prohibit the purchase of potato and corn chips, sugary and carbonated drinks and biscuits accompanied by food stamps.

Sweet beverages account for 9.3% of purchases made with the federal supplementary nutrition assistance program, according to a report from the US Department of Agriculture. Households that did not receive food stamps, in comparison, spent about 7.1% of their food budget on soft drinks.

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The bill introduced by Cain at the House of Human Services Committee in March would come into effect this fall, when it was passed.

His proposal defines energy drinks as beverages containing at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces. Coffee is excluded from the proposed ban, as are fruit and vegetable juices without added sugar or carbonation.

Recipients of food stamps could also use the proceeds to buy infant formula, dairy products, alternatives and beverages containing vitamins, minerals or proteins.

According to a study by Feeding America, every county in the country is home to people who do not have enough money to buy healthy food.

According to the USDA, about 40 million low-income Americans receive SNAP benefits to buy food. Participants must report changes in their income and may have to meet professional requirements.

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