A federal judge blocks federal restrictions that would limit how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can be used for certain sugary drinks and candy. Multiple outlets report the ruling against bans associated with actions taken during the Trump administration, which had tightened or curtailed what SNAP participants can purchase with their benefits.
The judge’s decision centers on whether the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has legal authority to change SNAP’s allowable items through waivers or administrative action. According to coverage, the court finds that Congress has already defined what counts as “food” for SNAP and that the USDA cannot amend or override that definition without explicit authorization. The ruling therefore prevents the agency from implementing the challenged bans.
The decision addresses restrictions tied to state waivers as well as related federal efforts aimed at excluding soda, sugary drinks, and candy from SNAP purchases. The outlets agree that the judge’s order stops the restrictions from taking effect while the legal issues are resolved.
