SNAP Soda Ban Ruling Could Affect Millions of Recipients
Summary
A federal judge blocked a policy supported by President Trump’s administration that tried to stop people using SNAP benefits to buy soda and sugary foods. The court said the USDA cannot remove certain food types from SNAP rules, affecting programs in many states and millions of SNAP recipients.Key Facts
- A federal judge ruled against a policy banning soda and sugary products from being purchased with SNAP benefits.
- The judge said Congress did not allow the USDA to change what foods can be bought with SNAP.
- The ruling stops pilot programs in 23 states, impacting about 13.5 million SNAP recipients.
- SNAP benefits usually cover almost all food and drinks, except alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared foods.
- The ban was part of a health effort to reduce obesity and diabetes linked to sugary products.
- The lawsuit was filed by SNAP recipients in five states: Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
- Some states had already started these programs or planned to begin soon before the ruling.
- The National Center for Law and Economic Justice, representing the plaintiffs, praised the court decision.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.