Judge Blocks State Bans on Candy and Soda Purchases With SNAP Benefits

A federal judge ruled that the U.S. government cannot stop people enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from using benefits to buy candy, soda and other sugary drinks. The ruling blocks restrictions now in place or planned in 23 states. It applies directly to legal challenges filed by SNAP beneficiaries in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia.

Background on the Restrictions The Agriculture Department had given 23 states permission to limit what the benefits can purchase. Some states had already implemented the rules, while others planned to start them in the coming months and years. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy Jr. encouraged states to adopt the limits as part of the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign. They argued that removing soda and candy would reduce obesity, diabetes and chronic disease.

The judge found that the restrictions violated Congress's definition of "food" under the law governing SNAP benefits. " The opinion stated that improving nutrition is not listed among the reasons the government may waive program requirements.

“The federal defendants and the states may have a genuine desire to improve the health of SNAP households by encouraging healthy choices at the store, and they can take lawful steps to meet those goals. SNAP recipients and advocates at a March hearing said the rules would create stigma and confusion. The Agriculture Department has not said whether it will appeal the ruling. The case is one of many challenges testing whether the administration can change program rules without new legislation from Congress. SNAP serves nearly 39 million Americans. Recent changes under a tax and policy law signed last year added work requirements for more recipients and shifted a larger share of administrative costs to states.”