Court Ruling Permits SNAP Purchases of Sugary Foods
A recent federal court ruling allows SNAP benefits to be used for candy and sugary drinks, preventing the government from imposing restrictions on these purchases.
On June 23, 2026, a federal judge ruled that SNAP benefits cannot be restricted from being used to purchase sugary items, including candy and drinks.
This decision means that beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can now use their benefits for a wider range of products, including those high in sugar.
The ruling is significant as it affects the nation's largest food aid program, ensuring that individuals have the freedom to choose how they spend their assistance.
Updates
Update at 17:50 UTC on 2026-06-23
STAT reported The federal government can't block benefits from the nation's largest food aid program from being used to buy candy, soda, and other sugary drinks, a judge ruled.
Sources: STAT