Food Stamp Users Take USDA to Court Over Candy and Soda Ban

A lawsuit has been filed by a group of food stamp recipients against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), challenging new restrictions in pilot programs that limit certain purchases with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The plaintiffs argue these changes could negatively impact vulnerable families.

Challenging New Food Purchase Restrictions

Five SNAP recipients from Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia are behind the lawsuit. Represented by the National Center for Law and Economic Justice, they contend that the USDA's policy changes could harm beneficiaries by limiting what they can purchase with their benefits.

The USDA has endorsed 22 state waiver requests that prevent SNAP users from buying items labeled as "non-nutritious," like candy and soda. However, these restrictions differ among states, creating confusion about eligible purchases.

The Impact on Vulnerable Individuals

One plaintiff, Amanda Johnson from Tennessee, claims the rules may affect her disabled teenage daughter who has avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). According to the lawsuit, her daughter relies on a few specific foods due to her condition.

The suit mentions that without access to these foods, Johnson’s daughter may need nutrition through a feeding tube.

Legal Arguments Against USDA Policies

The plaintiffs accuse the USDA of violating the Administrative Procedure Act and seek a court order to halt the pilot programs until further review. They also request a delay on any future waivers.

The USDA declined to comment on the case, directing inquiries to the Justice Department’s Office of Public Affairs.