Judge says food aid can be used for candy and soda

Key Points:

• A federal judge ruled that the government cannot restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from being used to buy candy, soda, and other sugary drinks, invalidating current or planned restrictions in 23 states.
• U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson stated the ruling was based on the government not adhering to the legal definition of "food" under SNAP regulations, rather than a judgment on the health merits of the restrictions.
• The restrictions were part of the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign led by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aimed at reducing obesity and chronic diseases by encouraging healthier food choices.
• The legal challenge was brought by SNAP beneficiaries from multiple states, arguing that the restrictions violated federal law which allows SNAP benefits to be used for any food or food product for home consumption, excluding only alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared foods.
• The Agriculture Department has not announced whether it will appeal the ruling, which is part of broader legal disputes over the Trump administration's authority to change SNAP policies without congressional approval.