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Judge strikes down SNAP bans on soft drinks and candy
By United Press International · June 23, 2026 · 1 min read
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A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration cannot permit states to prohibit SNAP recipients from purchasing soft drinks, snacks, and candy. The ruling found that the Agriculture Department lacked the authority to approve such restrictions.
Key takeaways
A federal judge ruled that the Agriculture Department lacks authority to approve state bans on certain SNAP items.
The ruling prevents states from barring recipients from using benefits for soft drinks, snacks, and candy.
Approximately 42.1 million low-income individuals nationwide receive federal food assistance.
A federal judge has ruled against the Trump administration's ability to allow states to bar recipients of federal food assistance from using benefits for soft drinks, snacks, and candy.
The court found that the Agriculture Department lacked the authority required to approve these types of restrictions.
The ruling impacts the approximately 42.1 million low-income individuals across the nation who receive federal food assistance.
The decision addresses the legality of state-level bans on specific food items within the SNAP program.
