food insecurity

Texas has a 91% Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, accuracy rate — which could mean the state will be responsible for more than $700 million in benefits costs. If Texas has to cover part of the benefits costs, it would be the first time since the program started in the 1960s.

Starting April 1, Texans won't be able to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to purchase "candy or sweetened drinks." Texas retailers and nonprofits have spent month preparing for the new restrictions — but some recipients may not know until they're checking out at the store.

Starting April 1, Texans will no longer be allowed to use food stamps to buy sweetened beverages and candy.

Gov. Laura Kelly originally refused to hand over the data, leading the federal government to threaten withholding SNAP funds. The governor said she received additional privacy guarantees for how the data will be used.

The state joins 21 other states in restricting candy and soda purchases with SNAP dollars

The governor opposes the bill despite one of its pieces meeting a policy priority.

A Kansas Senate committee is considering a bill to pressure Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration to comply with the federal government’s request for the data, including social security numbers. Kansas is one of more than 20 states rebuffing the request.

Last year, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed funding for a summer food assistance program despite Texas's high rates of food insecurity, citing concerns over matching federal funds. Advocates want the state to reconsider, highlighting concerns about how food insecurity rates are expected to increase when students are on summer break.

Under new requirements, "able-bodied" recipients could lose access to benefits for three years if they go three months without documenting working hours.

Oklahoma funds to support food banks will stop now that the federal government shutdown is over. Still, one food bank expects to use the money that arrived to distribute thousands of meal boxes to eligible individuals in the coming weeks.