Federal structural changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025, continue to be implemented this year, including expanded work requirements and tighter noncitizen eligibility.
Separately, in Texas, new state-level purchase restrictions prohibiting candy and sweetened drinks with Lone Star Cards took effect April 1, 2026.
An average of approximately 3.47 million Texans received SNAP benefits monthly in fiscal year 2025, representing about 11% of the state’s population. The Texas restrictions, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture following Senate Bill 379, aim to redefine certain items under the program’s “food for home consumption” guidelines.
Items that have never been eligible include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, dietary supplements, medicines, vitamins, hot foods intended for immediate consumption, and non-food items such as pet food or household supplies.
Texas now prohibits candy and sweetened drinks with SNAP benefits. Candy includes candy bars, gum, and taffy, as well as candied, crystallized, glazed, or coated nuts, raisins, or fruits with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel. Sweetened drinks include nonalcoholic beverages made with water that contain 5 grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener, such as soda or certain fruit drinks with less than 50 percent juice.
Chips remain eligible for purchase with SNAP in Texas and most states, as they fall under the category of general snack foods unless a state imposes additional limits. A birthday cake would generally be allowed if it qualifies as a food for home consumption, though prepared or ultra-processed desserts may face restrictions in states with broader waivers, such as Florida, starting April 20. Ingredients for baking a cake at home, including sugar, flour, and baking chocolate, remain eligible nationwide.
Federal noncitizen eligibility changes also took effect on April 1 in many states. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) generally remain subject to the existing five-year waiting period, with exceptions for children under 18, veterans, or those with sufficient work history. Current recipients will be reviewed at their next redetermination.
Expanded work requirements under the 2025 law apply to able-bodied adults without dependents up to age 64 and adjust exemptions for parents of children under 14. Affected individuals must work, volunteer, or train at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits beyond three months in a three-year period. Implementation varies by state and recertification timing.
Retailers must adjust point-of-sale systems to block ineligible items. SNAP households can still purchase restricted items with cash or other payment methods.
