SNAP Recipients Sue USDA Over Sugary Food Bans

0:00This is Birmingham News Today, powered by AI and presented by the Daily News Now. Snap recipients have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture over waivers that let some states ban purchases of sugary foods, like soda and candy, using benefits. A non-profit group, along with five people from Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia, brought the case on March 11th, accusing the agency of skipping required legal steps under the Administrative Procedure Act. These waivers aim to limit what the Department calls non-nutricious items, giving states more control over food choices for low-income families. The suit argues this cuts down on basic options for those who depend on the program. Attorneys for the plaintiffs say the restrictions hurt people who rely on Snap by ignoring real-world impacts and that proper public input would have highlighted the problems early. They want a court to stop the waivers right away. So far, 22 states have gotten these approvals, though Alabama has not.

1:04Tennessee plans to start limiting processed foods and sugary drinks in July, while Florida kicks off restrictions on soda, energy drinks, candy, and desserts this April. Meanwhile, the USDA has not commented on the lawsuit, and the restrictions are moving forward in approved states as legal challenges play out. Take thanks to today's sponsor, see the description for more. You know what is better than earbuds in bed? No earbuds at all. So L.I. SoleyPillow.com