A federal judge blocked the Agriculture Department from allowing states to ban the use of food stamps for sugary drinks and candy.
The ruling determined the department lacked the legal authority to approve state waivers that restricted what participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could purchase.
The decision came from a federal judge who ruled against the waivers, which had been granted to several states seeking to limit unhealthy food options.
Opponents of the restrictions argued they created an uneven system across the country, with some states imposing limits while others did not.
Supporters of the bans had claimed they were necessary to promote public health and reduce obesity rates among low-income Americans.
The judge’s ruling emphasized that Congress did not give the Agriculture Department the power to delegate its authority over SNAP food choices to individual states.
This decision effectively ends similar waiver requests from other states that had been pending approval.
The ruling leaves SNAP benefits unchanged, allowing participants to continue purchasing any eligible food items, including sugary drinks and candy.
Legal experts noted the decision could prompt Congress to revisit laws governing SNAP to clarify federal versus state authority.
The Agriculture Department did not immediately comment on whether it would appeal the ruling.
