Judge strikes down SNAP bans on soft drinks, candy

Published: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 5:59 am

Federal Judge Blocks SNAP Restrictions on Sugary Foods

A federal judge has overturned restrictions that would have prevented recipients of federal food assistance from purchasing soft drinks, snacks, and candy. The ruling, issued on Monday, determined that the Agriculture Department lacked the legal authority to approve such bans.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides food assistance to approximately 42.1 million low-income individuals nationwide. The program generally allows recipients to purchase most food items, with exceptions for alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared foods.

In response to rising obesity rates, the Trump administration had granted waivers to 22 states, allowing them to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used for certain high-calorie, sugary items. These waivers, while varying by state, specifically targeted products like soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy.

The legal challenge was initiated by five SNAP recipients from several states who argued that the restrictions were unclear, difficult to implement for both beneficiaries and retailers, and detrimental to individuals who rely on sugary beverages to manage chronic health conditions like diabetes.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson found that the Agriculture Department's waivers contravened the Administrative Procedure Act. She stated that the department had exceeded its authority and failed to adhere to required public input procedures. The judge emphasized that the department's actions attempted to redefine "food" in a manner inconsistent with congressional intent and the program's core purpose of providing food assistance.

The National Center for Law and Economic Justice, which represented the plaintiffs, hailed the decision as a significant victory for millions of families dependent on SNAP. They stated that the ruling reinforces the legal framework governing SNAP and ensures the program operates without undue confusion for beneficiaries.

BNN's Perspective: This judicial decision underscores the importance of established legal processes and the need for clear, consistent program administration. While concerns about public health and nutrition are valid, the court's ruling highlights that policy changes must be implemented through proper legal channels, respecting the intent of the original legislation and ensuring that essential assistance programs remain accessible and understandable for those who rely on them.

Tags: SNAP, food assistance, soft drinks, candy, judge, ruling, Agriculture Department, waivers, restrictions, federal law, nutrition, obesity, diabetes, Administrative Procedure Act

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