A federal judge has ruled that the government cannot prevent recipients of the nation’s largest food assistance program from using benefits to purchase candy, soda and other sugary drinks.
The ruling affects the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP, which provides food assistance to millions of low-income Americans. The court determined that federal officials lacked the authority to impose the restrictions without changes approved through the proper legal process.
Supporters of limiting SNAP purchases of sugary products have argued that the policy could help address diet-related health concerns, including obesity and diabetes. Opponents said such restrictions would unfairly limit the choices of families who rely on the program to buy groceries.
The decision keeps current SNAP rules in place, allowing eligible recipients to use benefits on approved food items, including certain snack foods and beverages. The ruling could face further legal challenges as officials and lawmakers continue debating the role of nutrition standards in federal food assistance programs.