One of the hot-button topics in Texas has been the use of SNAP benefits and what you can and cannot buy using them.

Recently, a bill was passed through the Texas Senate to ban the purchase of junk foods using the SNAP and WIC benefits.

Get our free mobile app

What Foods Are They Proposing To Ban In Texas

According to the bill, certain items would not be able to be purchased using SNAP or WIC benefits in Texas.

Those items include energy drinks, carbonated beverages, sweetened beverages, and any sort of packaged candy, cookies, or chips.

Why Are They Proposing Those Bans In Texas

A big part of it is that Texas's obesity rates have jumped a staggering 42% over the last 50 years. They are looking to help curb that rate and start sending it downward.

It starts with the kids and being able to control their weight a bit better. Many families utilize the state-assisted programs and by taking away those items from the program, they can help control a bit better what kids are consuming.

READ MORE: Changes To Texas SNAP Benefits Effective Immediately

Is There Another Change Coming To The Program In Texas

The short answer to that is yes. Governor Greg Abbott has requested a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand the program to not being able to purchase unhealthy or highly processed foods.

What some of those other foods could be are yet to be determined, but there is a chance that the benefits become even more restrictive as they determine which foods are considered highly processed. It could be certain canned foods, different types of drinks, or a myriad of other things.

How Soon Could This Begin

There's no answer to this, but if the waiver is obtained, it could start much sooner than anyone was anticipating.

If you are on the benefits, it might be a good thing to start scaling back on some of these types of food and drink so you can begin to acclimate.