The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has undergone significant changes this month, with Texas implementing stricter purchase restrictions and federal rules tightening eligibility for noncitizens.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
Texas Bans Candy and Sweetened Drinks
On April 1, 2026, Texas began enforcing new state-level SNAP restrictions that prohibit the purchase of candy and sweetened drinks using Lone Star Cards. The changes, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Senate Bill 379, redefine eligible items under the program’s “food for home consumption” guidelines. Approximately 3.47 million Texans received SNAP benefits monthly in fiscal year 2025, representing about 11% of the state’s population.
Federal Rules Limit Noncitizen Eligibility
Also on April 1, 2026, California and Illinois began implementing federal SNAP restrictions that remove benefit eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants. The changes, stemming from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed in July 2025, now limit SNAP access primarily to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Around 72,000 lawfully present immigrants in California are estimated to lose benefits, according to local advocates.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Eligible and Prohibited Items in Texas
Under the new Texas rules, candy includes candy bars, gum, taffy, and candied or coated nuts, raisins, or fruits. Sweetened drinks include nonalcoholic beverages with 5 grams or more of added sugar or any artificial sweetener, such as soda or certain fruit drinks with less than 50% juice. Chips and birthday cakes remain eligible, as they fall under general snack foods unless a state imposes additional limits.
Federal SNAP Rules Remain Mostly Unchanged
Core federal SNAP rules still allow the purchase of any food or food product for home consumption, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, breads, cereals, and snack foods like chips. Households may also buy seeds and plants that produce food. Items that have never been eligible include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, dietary supplements, medicines, vitamins, hot foods, and non-food items like pet food or household supplies.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
The federal restrictions have disproportionately affected lawfully present immigrants, including refugees, asylees, and certain humanitarian entrants such as trafficking survivors. Previously, these groups could qualify for benefits if they met income and other requirements. Now, only U.S. citizens and a smaller subset of noncitizens, primarily lawful permanent residents, are eligible. Undocumented residents have never been eligible for SNAP.
State Implementation Timelines
California and Illinois set April 1, 2026, as their implementation date for the federal changes. Existing beneficiaries who are newly ineligible will retain their benefits until their next recertification, typically after 12 months. New applicants in the affected categories will be denied starting April 1. Other states, including Nebraska, have begun rolling out the restrictions at different times in recent months.
Advocacy and Food Bank Concerns
Local advocates in California warn that the loss of SNAP benefits will drive more families to food banks already strained by demand. The changes have raised concerns about increased food insecurity among immigrant communities.
Political and Policy Debates
The restrictions have sparked debate over the balance between program integrity and accessibility. Supporters argue that the changes ensure benefits are used for nutritious food and target assistance to those most in need. Critics contend that the rules disproportionately harm vulnerable populations and could worsen food insecurity.