food stamps

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

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

The state paid out November benefits amid changing conditions in court.

The federal government paused SNAP payments at the beginning of the month because of the shutdown.

In Oklahoma and around the U.S., elected officials are seeking ways to provide food assistance to needy residents as the federal government shutdown affects SNAP.

Democrats and Republicans have different proposals to keep feeding hundreds of thousands of Kansans. Food banks are preparing for an influx of demand.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is joining Democrats from 24 other states in suing President Donald Trump's administration over the lapsed funding.