Texas bill would ban people from using food stamps on soda, candy, other ‘junk food’
(Meredith) – A new bill in Texas would ban food stamp recipients from using their benefits to buy soda, candy and other junk foods.
State Representative Briscoe Cain (R-Baytown) filed the bill, titled HB 4364, on March 8.
The proposal would prohibit the use of food stamps on drinks that contain 54 milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces, including energy drinks, KVUE reported.
It would also ban certain potato chips, cookies, and sweetened or carbonated beverages.
Coffee, fruit juice and vegetable juice would not be included in the ban.
Cane said people who utilize the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are “often the most susceptible to diabetes and the serious complications associated with it.”
“HB 4364 seeks to curb the spread of diabetes and other health complications among Texans in at-risk populations by eliminating sugary drinks and snacks from the state’s nutrition assistance program,” he continued.
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