A Texas bill would bar people from using SNAP benefits on junk food, including soda, energy drinks, candy, chips and cookies. (Getty Images)
The federal government, which provides all the funding for SNAP, currently allows the program to be used for most food items, excluding alcohol, tobacco and hot prepared meals.
A pair of bills were recently introduced in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate that would also prohibit the purchase of junk food using SNAP benefits.
SNAP RECIPIENTS MAY BE BARRED FROM JUNK FOOD PURCHASES UNDER NEW HOUSE GOP BILL
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also expressed his desire to restrict ultra-processed foods and additives.
Back in Texas, Republican state lawmakers say S.B. 379 seeks to remove food and drinks with little nutritional value from the government assistance program.
The Texas Senate debated the bill on Monday. (Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, critics of the Texas bill argue that people using SNAP should have the freedom to decide what foods are best for their families, including treats for their children or for medical needs such as treating a blood sugar crash, FOX 4 reported. Critics also claim there is a lack of access to grocery stores and say many people on the program rely on convenience stores where there are few healthy food options.
The state's full Senate debated the bill on Monday. It needs to pass the Upper Chamber before it can be sent to the House.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-lawmakers-consider-measure-prohibiting-snap-benefits-purchase-junk-food