Title: Aligning Food and Health Policy in Texas
Source: Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
Authors: Charles W. Mathias, Elena M. Marks, and Carlos A. Cruz
During the 89th Texas Legislative Session in 2025, several bills were introduced proposing Medicaid coverage for food interventions designed to address specific medical diagnoses. Policies addressing food and health cut across the major programs, including Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Recognizing the distinctions in purpose, eligibility, funding mechanisms, and allowable foods across these programs is essential for designing policies that achieve defined health goals. This report examines each program and recommends targeted use of Medicaid for high-cost diet-related conditions and encourages full participation in SNAP and WIC to prevent disease progression and reduce long-term spending.
