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SNAP Recipients Sue USDA Over State Bans on Sugary Drinks and Candy

Plaintiffs argue USDA lacked authority to approve waivers restricting purchases in 22 states.

A display on the National Mall, with the U.S. Capitol in the background, references Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 14, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo
Stock image/file photo: A SNAP sign in a retailer window.
Stock image/file photo: A SNAP sign in a retailer window.
Image

Overview

  • Five SNAP recipients filed a lawsuit in Washington, D.C., seeking to halt and overturn USDA-approved waivers that limit use of benefits for items like sugary drinks, energy drinks and candy.
  • The complaint alleges violations of the Administrative Procedure Act, saying the agency let states narrow the statutory definition of food without reasoned decision-making or proper process.
  • Plaintiffs cite concrete harms, including needs tied to diabetes, chronic kidney disease, allergies, insomnia-related caffeine use, and an eating disorder, plus checkout confusion that can drain scarce cash.
  • USDA declined to comment because of pending litigation, while the waivers reflect the Make America Healthy Again push backed by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • New restrictions are scheduled for April in Texas on April 1 (sweetened beverages and candy), Florida on April 20 (soda, energy drinks, candy, prepared desserts) and Colorado on April 30 (soft drinks), with similar limits already active in several of the 22 approved states.