Judge blocks USDA SNAP limits on sugary drinks and candy

A federal judge has blocked a Trump administration-backed effort to allow states to restrict the purchase of sugary drinks and snacks using federal food assistance benefits, ruling the U.S. Department of Agriculture exceeded its legal authority. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued the ruling on Monday, June 22, 2026, overturning USDA approvals that had permitted states to test pilot programs removing items like soda and candy from eligibility under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The decision directly halts programs in five states-Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia-which had sued the administration in March. The lawsuit, filed by SNAP recipients represented by the National Center for Law and Economic Justice, argued the restrictions were unlawful, vague, and created confusion for both recipients and retailers. Some plaintiffs also contended the limits harmed those who rely on certain beverages to manage chronic health conditions like diabetes.

In a 68-page decision, Judge Jackson found that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins improperly interpreted federal law by approving state requests to waive the congressional definition...