Lawmaker Proposes Ending Junk Food Purchases With Food Stamps

AUSTIN, TX — A Texas state lawmaker has filed a bill that if passed would prohibit Texans from using food stamps to buy junk food, energy drinks and candy. State Rep. Briscoe Caine (R-Webster) filed House Bill 4364 on March 8.

The bill takes aim at curbing purchases of all forms of junk food including: cookies, chips, candy, soft drinks, and energy drinks.

“At-risk Texans and families who utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are often the most susceptible to diabetes and the serious complications associated with it,” Cain said in a KHOU report.

The bill defines energy drinks as: a beverage containing at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces that is advertised as being specifically designed to provide metabolic stimulation or an increase to the consumer ’s mental or physical energy. The term does not include coffee or any substantially coffee-based beverage.

Sweetened beverages are also identified and fall under the realm of soft drinks, and some artificially sweetened juices.

Some items that would be allowed for purchase with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or food stamps include:

• Milk or milk products such as soy, rice or almond milk
• Fruit Juices without artificial sweetner
• Vegetable juices
• Baby formula
• Any beverage that is not artificially sweetened

The bill has been referred to the Human Services Committee for review. If HB4364 passes, it would go into effect Sept. 1.

You can click the House Bill 4364 link and read the text of the bill.