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Food stamp recipients sue USDA over restrictions on candy, energy drinks
Plaintiffs argue waivers approved in 22 states unlawfully limit SNAP benefits, destabilize food access, and harm families managing health conditions, affecting millions nationwide.
- On March 11, five SNAP recipients sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture in federal court in Washington, D.C., seeking to halt SNAP waivers approved in 22 states that block sugary drinks and candy purchases.
- USDA began processing the waivers last year as part of a Trump administration push to ban candy and processed foods, endorsed by Brooke Rollins and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as part of the Make America Healthy Again movement.
- The complaint details both legal and personal impacts, alleging USDA violated the Administrative Procedure Act and citing Amanda Johnson's autistic daughter losing six safe foods.
- The filing asks a court to immediately block implementation and void the waivers, potentially affecting SNAP caseload: 42.1 million average per month in 2023, or 12.6% of the U.S. population.
- Plaintiffs warn the waivers destabilize food access and cause checkout confusion, forcing SNAP participants and families to choose between restricted items and essentials, while supporters argue limits could encourage healthier diets.
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