SNAP Benefits More Than Familes; Retailers Depend On The Income
June 9, 2025 – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, plays a crucial role in supporting food retailers and driving revenue, particularly among grocery stores and major discount chains. Retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Dollar General, and Aldi see significant portions of their sales coming from SNAP participants. These shoppers are a reliable customer base, contributing to both...
USDA Will Now Enforce Federal Law on Illegal Aliens and SNAP Benefits
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for public benefits like SNAP. February 28, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a renewed crackdown on undocumented immigrants receiving federal food assistance benefits, reinforcing a policy that is already part of federal law. The move aligns with broader efforts by the Biden administration to tighten enforcement of public assistance eligibility rules amid...
Child and Adult CARE Food Program Extends Access
Program sponsors serve nutritious meals and snacks for childcare and adult day care participants AUSTIN- Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller encouraged Texans to explore the benefits of accessing nutritious meals in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) administers this federally funded program operating at approximately 13,000 sites in Texas, including adult day...
SSI Program Eligibility Expands this Fall
May 15, 2024 – The Social Security Administration (SSA) has introduced a significant update aimed at expanding eligibility for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program by redefining what constitutes a public assistance household. SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. Social Security administers this program. SSI pays monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are blind, age 65 or older, or...
Extension Addresses Family Nutrition
This is a continuation of program impact summaries provided by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service during 2021 in Hopkins County. This week focuses on the Better Living for Texans/Family Nutrition program area. Johanna Hicks, Extension Agent By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Hopkins County Family & Community Health Agent, [email protected] Relevance In Hopkins County, approximately 4,010 receive...
SNAP May Get Healthier Soon
May 16, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott has voiced support for restricting the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to promote healthier eating among low-income Texans. Under his proposal, SNAP recipients would be prohibited from using their benefits to purchase certain “junk foods,” including sugary sodas, candy, and other items deemed nutritionally poor. Abbott argues that taxpayer-funded assistance...
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Supports SNAP Restrictions
June 7, 2025 – On June 5, 2025, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued a statement applauding the passage of Senate Bill 379, a major reform to the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill, championed by Senator Mayes Middleton and Representative Stan Gerdes, restricts the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing junk food, such as soda and candy. Commissioner Miller praised the legislation as a...
Texas Legislature Considering Restrictions on What SNAP Can Buy
April 2, 2025 – Senate Bill 379, passed by the Texas Senate, seeks to restrict food stamp recipients from purchasing certain non-essential items such as soda, chips, and candy. The bill is part of a broader initiative to ensure that government assistance is directed towards healthier and more nutritious food options. If enacted, the legislation would modify the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides...
USDA Approves Waivers For Texas SNAP Recipients Impacted By Severe Winter Storms
DALLAS, Feb. 10, 2023 – Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in 67 counties who were affected by the severe winter weather in February will have additional time to report their food loss because of power outages due to the storm. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved a waiver for the Texas Human and Health Services Commission’s (HHSC) to give SNAP recipient...
A Year in Review – Better Living for Texans
By Johanna Hicks, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Family and Community Health in Hopkins County, [email protected] Editor’s note: This is the 3rd in a series of program impacts, provided by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health – Hopkins County. Relevance Better Living for Texans is a statewide program targeted toward helping families serve healthier foods and increase physical activity. In Hopkins...
