Federal Judge Halts SNAP Restrictions on Sugary Drinks and Candy

A federal judge issued a ruling on a SNAP policy dispute. The judge found the U.S. Department of Agriculture lacked authority. The authority issue concerns state waivers that limit purchases. The waivers sought to bar SNAP participants from buying sugary drinks. They also aimed to prohibit candy purchases with SNAP benefits. By blocking the waivers, the judge halted the proposed bans. The decision leaves the current SNAP purchasing rules unchanged. The ruling may prompt states to revisit how they design nutrition restrictions.