SNAP recipients sue over new limits on junk food purchases

Five SNAP recipients filed a federal lawsuit against the USDA asking courts to halt and overturn waivers that bar purchases of certain low‑nutrition foods; the USDA has approved waivers in 22 states, and several states have already put bans into effect.

Five SNAP recipients have sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture in federal court in Washington, D.C., asking judges to stop and undo waivers that bar the use of benefits for certain low‑nutrition foods. The suit says the USDA approved 22 state waivers without proper process and without adequate evaluation, and that the changes are causing confusion and hardship for people who rely on SNAP. The parties describe the policy as part of an initiative led by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; supporters say it is intended to encourage healthier diets. Key facts: - Five plaintiffs from Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to halt and overturn SNAP "food restriction" waivers approved by the USDA. - The waivers bar purchases of foods described as low in nutritional value, such as candy and sugary drinks; waivers have been approved for 22 states and are already active in several of them. - The complaint alleges the USDA acted without proper notice, input, or an evaluation process and that this violates the Administrative Procedure Act. - Plaintiffs say the restrictions create real‑world difficulties for recipients, including people managing diabetes, chronic kidney disease, allergies, insomnia, and caretaking responsibilities; they are represented by the National Center for Law and Economic Justice and a private law firm. Summary: Plaintiffs say the waivers destabilize food access for low‑income households and create confusion at checkout, and they argue the USDA exceeded its authority in approving the state waivers. Undetermined at this time.