ECONOMY
States expand SNAP food restrictions as legal challenges continue
A new bill in nine states would limit what SNAP food-aid recipients can buy, as more states seek USDA waivers to bar purchases like sugary drinks and candy and a federal court has already thrown out some approvals.
A new bill in nine states would limit what SNAP food-aid recipients can buy, as more states seek USDA waivers to bar purchases like sugary drinks and candy and a federal court has already thrown out some approvals.
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What This is
- Lawmakers in nine states have introduced a bill that would restrict what people can buy with SNAP benefits, including potentially cutting off some foods and drinks from eligibility.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved “food restriction waivers” for 23 states to limit SNAP purchases of items the states label as non-nutritious.
- Some of these restrictions are already taking effect, with North Dakota enforcing limits starting Sept. 1 and Montana set to begin Sept. 30.
- A federal court vacated USDA approvals for five states after plaintiffs argued the agency lacked authority and did not follow required public notice steps.
- A working paper examining the first 10 states with restrictions found that SNAP households purchased 12.4% fewer excluded sugary drinks, although shoppers in states with partial bans substituted some permitted sugary beverages.
Why This Matters
- The outcome shapes whether SNAP stays a cash-like benefit or becomes more like a prescribed food plan.
- Court challenges could decide how much freedom states have to reshape federal safety-net programs on their own.
- Supporters see limits as a public-health tool, while opponents warn they can stigmatize low-income families and reduce choice.