A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to allow states to ban Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using benefits to purchase soft drinks and candy. Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled Monday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) exceeded its authority by approving these waivers, concluding that the agency cannot unilaterally redefine “food” or remove specific items from the federal program. The decision impacts an initiative championed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who sought to exclude unhealthy items from the $100 billion program.
Did You Know? Under the Food and Nutrition Act, SNAP benefits are legally defined for use on “any food or food product intended for human consumption,” with the only explicit exceptions being alcohol, tobacco, and ready-to-eat hot foods.
Why the court ruled against the USDA
Judge Jackson’s ruling centered on the limits of administrative power. She noted that Congress established the definition of food within the SNAP program and did not grant the USDA authority to waive or amend that definition to exclude specific categories. The lawsuit was brought in March by SNAP recipients from Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Plaintiffs argued that the restrictions would “destabilize food access” and complicate the management of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, where specific items are needed to maintain blood sugar levels.
Implications for the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative
The ruling serves as a significant hurdle for the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. Kennedy and Rollins have argued that taxpayers should not fund programs that contribute to obesity and chronic disease. Despite the court’s decision, a USDA spokesperson stated the agency intends to continue the initiative, maintaining that public funds should not be used for junk food. To date, the USDA has permitted 23 states to implement these restrictions through federal waivers.
Expert Insight: This ruling highlights a recurring tension in federal governance: the boundary between executive agency discretion and statutory authority. By citing the “legal guardrails” of the Food and Nutrition Act, the court has signaled that broad policy shifts—even those aimed at public health—must be rooted in clear congressional authorization rather than administrative fiat.
What happens next for the remaining states?
While the injunction currently applies only to the five states involved in the lawsuit, the decision may establish a legal roadmap for future challenges. According to the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), 18 other states have received approval for similar bans, and 13 of those have not yet implemented their rules. Gina Plata-Nino, SNAP director for FRAC, noted that these pending restrictions rely on the same statutory assumptions that the court recently rejected, suggesting that further litigation is likely.
Confusion over retail implementation
Advocates have pointed to inconsistencies in how these bans operate at the register. According to FRAC, Nebraska recipients were blocked from buying diet soda but permitted to purchase chocolate milk with artificial sweetener. Similarly, in Iowa, recipients could buy cake if a retailer provided a fork, but were denied the purchase of a fruit cup if a fork was included. These complexities, according to the National Center for Law and Economic Justice, have created significant confusion for both retailers and beneficiaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states were involved in the lawsuit?
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit were SNAP recipients from Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
How many states have received approval for these restrictions?
The Agriculture Department has permitted 23 states to implement restrictions on SNAP benefits through waivers.
What is the primary argument against the bans?
Plaintiffs and advocacy groups argue that the bans destabilize food access for low-income Americans and create confusion, while also making it difficult for those with chronic illnesses to access necessary food items.
How do you believe the government should balance the goal of improving public health with the need to maintain simple, consistent access to food for low-income families?