How Does a Federal Judge's Pushback Against SNAP Restrictions Impact Indiana's Ban on Using the Funds for Candy and Soda?
- On Monday, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson blocked the Trump administration from banning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients from purchasing soda and candy in five states.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. championed the bans under the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative to combat obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease epidemics.
- Judge Jackson ruled the U.S. Department of Agriculture exceeded its statutory authority, writing that the agency cannot 'amend or waive' Congress's explicit legal definition of 'food' to exclude specific items.
- The ruling halts pilot programs in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia, though the USDA indicated it plans to continue pursuing 'Make America Healthy Again' despite the legal setback.
- An additional 18 states have initiated similar SNAP waivers that may now face uncertainty, as debate continues over whether the program should address hunger alone or also tackle chronic disease.
48 Articles
48 Articles
Federal Judge Blocks Some USDA Waivers Letting States Ban ‘Junk Food’ in SNAP
A federal judge blocked five USDA-approved waivers that let Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia ban certain “junk foods” from being purchased with SNAP benefits. The post Federal Judge Blocks Some USDA Waivers Letting States Ban ‘Junk Food’ in SNAP appeared first on Texas Scorecard.
Federal court strikes WV’s SNAP restrictions on soda; USDA says it's not backing down
United States District Judge Amy Berman Jackson granted plaintiffs a summary judgement on June 22, 2026, in a case brought by SNAP recipients from five states, including West Virginia, where the federal Department of Agriculture has approved SNAP waivers that restrict what foods can be purchased, including soda.
West Virginia's waiver to prevent sugary drink purchases through SNAP is struck down
The Morrisey administration disagrees with a U.S. district judge’s ruling that blocks federal officials from barring the use of SNAP benefits to buy soft drinks and candy. “We are disappointed by the court’s decision but remain convinced that previous taxpayer subsidized resources should only be spent on healthy, nutritious food for those who need help the most,” said Lars Dalseide, spokesman for the Governor’s Office. “Our commitment to improvi…
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