Judge Blocks SNAP Restrictions on Sugary Drinks and Candy in Five States
"What they cannot do is violate the law and their own regulations along the way."
— U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson
A federal judge has blocked restrictions on the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase sugary drinks and candy in five states, ruling that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lacked the legal authority to approve such waivers.
The decision applies to waivers that had been approved or planned in 23 states, though the ruling specifically blocks implementation in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Legal Ruling
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the District of Columbia issued the ruling on Monday. She found that the USDA's pilot project authority allows for testing of SNAP program efficiency but does not authorize restrictions based on health or diet improvement of recipients.
The judge stated that the government violated its own definition of "food" under the law, which permits SNAP benefits to be used for "any food or food product for home consumption" except alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and hot foods. She noted that Congress did not authorize nutrition-based restrictions on SNAP purchases.
States and Restrictions Affected
The five states affected by the ruling each sought to limit purchases of sugary drinks (including soda and energy drinks) and, in some cases, candy for all SNAP recipients.
As of January 1, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia had implemented bans on soda or other unhealthy foods from SNAP, though some bans had not yet taken effect before the ruling.
According to research firm Numerator, the USDA had approved waivers for SNAP benefit restrictions in 23 states as of May, affecting approximately one-third of all SNAP participants. The restrictions could have reduced food and beverage sales by up to $830 million this year, as consumers shift spending to approved products or reduce overall purchases.
Plaintiffs and Legal Challenge
The lawsuit was filed by five SNAP enrollees from Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia. They argued that they require restricted items for health conditions, including Type 1 diabetes and kidney issues.
A lawyer for the plaintiffs called the ruling "a major step in restoring essential food assistance."
A statement from the groups filing the lawsuit said:
"This decision makes clear that the USDA cannot bypass the legal guardrails that establish how SNAP must operate across the country."
Policy Background
The restrictions were part of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) campaign promoted by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who argued that soda and candy contribute to obesity and chronic disease.
Iowa became the first state to codify elements of the MAHA movement into law, targeting artificial food dyes and ultra-processed foods in schools and through SNAP purchases. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds stated the bill advances health and wellness for Iowans and refocuses federal food assistance programs on their original purpose.
Implementation Challenges
The rollout of these food restrictions encountered significant implementation challenges and inconsistencies across states.
Consumers and grocers worked to identify what constitutes "junk food" under the new rules, as there was no consistent definition for items like Gatorade, granola bars, or candy across the five states. Some banned items may have had lower sugar or fat content than allowed foods.
State governments in Indiana and Iowa did not provide comprehensive lists of banned items. Iowa stated that providing such a list would be "too tedious," placing responsibility for identifying restricted products on retailers and consumers.
Context
SNAP serves approximately 39 million to 40 million Americans. The program has faced policy changes under the Trump administration, including expanded work requirements and increased state cost-sharing.
The Trump administration has not indicated whether it will appeal the ruling.
KCCI contacted Iowa Health and Human Services and the USDA for comment but has not received a response.
Kroger CEO Greg Foran noted on the company's first-quarter earnings call on June 20 that customers face pressure from reduced SNAP benefits and higher gas prices, stating that customers are managing spending carefully and shopping with intent.