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Federal Judge Halts State Restrictions on Snack Purchases with Food Stamps

KVIA•Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 12:09 AM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

A federal judge has blocked a Trump administration initiative that allowed five states to restrict the purchase of sugary drinks and candy using food stamps. This ruling is a significant setback for the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aimed at reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The judge determined that the USDA lacked the authority to grant state exemptions for pilot projects in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Beneficiaries argued that these items are essential for their health, particularly for conditions like type 1 diabetes. The ruling emphasizes that while improving health is a goal, it cannot violate existing laws.

Key Details: • Federal judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled against state restrictions on SNAP purchases. • The affected states include Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia. • Beneficiaries argued that sugary drinks are necessary for managing health conditions. • The USDA's authority does not extend to enforcing health improvements through SNAP.

health government legal obesity food-stamps

People & Organizations

TennesseeColoradoIowaRobert F. Kennedy Jr.Amy Berman JacksonBrooke RollinsDepartment of AgricultureVirginia OccidentalNebraskaKatharine Deabler-MeadowsNational Center for Law and Economic Justice

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