A federal judge ruled on June 23, 2026, that the Trump administration's approval of state waivers banning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from purchasing soft drinks, snacks, and candy was illegal. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson determined that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lacked the authority to impose such restrictions, violating the Administrative Procedure Act. Approximately 42.1 million low-income Americans benefit from SNAP, which typically covers most foods except for alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared items.
This ruling comes as obesity rates climb in the United States. The Trump administration had granted waivers to 22 states to exclude specific high-calorie items from the federal definition of food. The waivers aimed to limit purchases of sugary products like energy drinks and candies. In March, five SNAP recipients from various states filed a lawsuit claiming these restrictions caused confusion and adversely affected their health management, especially for those dependent on sugary beverages for diabetes care.
Judge Jackson's decision underscored that the USDA's actions exceeded its specified powers, stating that it attempted to redefine what constitutes 'food' as established by Congress. The ruling emphasized that neither the USDA nor state authorities can manipulate federal regulations to impose such bans, reaffirming the original intent of SNAP's purpose to provide essential food assistance.
Katie Deabler, a senior attorney at the National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ), which initiated the lawsuit, praised the ruling as a major victory for families relying on SNAP. She stated that the decision clarified that the USDA must adhere to legal protocols governing the program, ensuring families receive support without ambiguity.
SOURCES: UPI | Facebook Florida Hillbilly
