The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has become an essential support system for thousands of families across the United States. In Texas, it helps households buy groceries and promotes healthier eating habits by making fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein-rich foods more affordable.
As food prices remain high and budgets tight, knowing when your SNAP benefits arrive and what you can or can’t buy is more important than ever.
Let’s take a closer look at who receives SNAP in Texas during the third week of September, along with a breakdown of approved and restricted food items.
Who Receives SNAP Benefits in Texas in the Third Week of September?
In Texas, SNAP payments are distributed based on your EDG (Eligibility Determination Group) number, specifically the last two digits. This system spreads payments throughout the month to avoid overloading grocery stores and benefit systems.
If your EDG number ends in any of the following, you will receive your payment in the third week of September:
| EDG Ending Digits | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 58–60 | September 17, 2025 |
| 61–64 | September 18, 2025 |
| 65–67 | September 19, 2025 |
| 68–71 | September 20, 2025 |
| 72–74 | September 21, 2025 |
Tip: You can find your EDG number on official SNAP letters or your Texas Health and Human Services benefits portal.
What You Can Buy with SNAP Benefits
The SNAP program allows you to buy a wide range of grocery items that are meant for home consumption. The focus is on making healthy foods more accessible—but treats are allowed, too.
Here’s what your Lone Star EBT card can be used for:
Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, canned, or even 100% fruit and vegetable juices
Meat, Poultry, and Fish
Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.
Bread and Cereals
Snacks: Chips, cookies, soft drinks, candy, and ice cream are all allowed
Beverages: Juices, water, sodas, energy drinks without supplements
Seeds and Plants: If you’re growing food at home, SNAP will cover it
Yes, that means your grocery basket can include both carrots and cookies—balance is key.
What You Cannot Buy with SNAP
While SNAP is flexible, there are still strict rules on what cannot be purchased with your benefits. These items are considered non-essential or non-food by federal guidelines:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, liquor
Cigarettes and Tobacco Products
Hot Food at the Point of Sale: Like rotisserie chicken or fast food, anything meant to be eaten immediately
Non-Food Items: Toilet paper, cleaning supplies, soap, diapers, pet food
Vitamins and Supplements: Anything with a “Supplement Facts” label is not covered
If you’re shopping with your Lone Star card, you’ll need to separate these items at checkout and pay for them separately with cash, credit, or debit.
How SNAP Benefits Help Beyond Just Food
In addition to helping families purchase groceries, SNAP plays a role in:
Reducing food insecurity
Improving nutrition in low-income households
Supporting local economies, especially small grocery stores and farmers markets
You can even use your SNAP benefits at approved farmers markets in Texas, and in some places, programs offer double value for fresh produce.
For SNAP recipients in Texas, especially those with EDG numbers ending in 58–74, the third week of September 2025 brings important payment dates. With the Lone Star EBT card, families can purchase everything from vegetables to cereals, while avoiding restricted items like hot food or non-food goods.
As the program continues to support healthier eating and financial stability, staying updated on payment dates and benefit rules helps you make the most of every dollar.
