Texas Law Aims To Eliminate ‘Snacks’ From SNAP- But Is It a Good Idea?

On the surface, a proposed Texas law makes all the sense in the world. According to Fox News, Texas Senate Bill 379 would prevent folks who use SNAP (a.k.a. "food stamps) from using their funds to purchase so-called junk food.

How Would Texas Define Junk Food?

"Junk food" is a fairly nebulous term that is arguably subjective, so the bill defines it as energy drinks, sweetened beverages, carbonated beverages, candy, and potato or corn chips.

My first thought is of Olipop, which is a carbonated beverage that has nearly half of your daily fiber needs and prebiotics, which I would personally not define as "junk." I'm also thinking corn chips are an integral part of a Frito pie. It seems un-Texan to prevent anyone from having that particular dish.

However, I think most of us would agree that the aforementioned foods aren't the best nutritional sources- they are mostly empty calories and the usual suspects in the U.S. obesity epidemic.

What Problems Could Arise From Texas Banning Junk Food For SNAP?

The problems with the ban may be immediately evident to you if you've ever been really hungry or homeless. Texas is a state that is very much built for cars, and people down on their luck could be many miles away from a grocery store. They may not have the means to heat or cook the food they buy there.

This would leave that persona's only options as convenience stores and dollar-type stores, which typically only carry this so-called junk.

How Would Texas Stores Implement The Ban?

Another issue would be implementing the ban, which would likely require quite a bit of work for grocers and other food store owners. Granted, SNAP recipients are already disallowed from buying certain items like alcohol or tobacco with their funds, so it may not be too unreasonable for stores to make the change.

Another food program, known as WIC, only allows eligible items be purchased with those funds- so it may be that SNAP follows a system more like WIC.

I'm counting my blessings that I do not need this program because I'm not sure I'd be able to function without my Texas staple: Dr. Pepper.