SNAP Recipients Sue to Get Their Sugary Treats Back

March 13, 2026 – A group of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients has filed a lawsuit challenging efforts to ban the use of food assistance benefits for sugary foods and beverages.

The lawsuit targets recent proposals in several states that seek to restrict what items can be purchased through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP. The program provides monthly food benefits to millions of low-income Americans to help them buy groceries.

Supporters of the proposed restrictions argue the changes are intended to improve public health by preventing taxpayer-funded benefits from being used to purchase soda, candy and other foods high in sugar. Some policymakers say limiting those purchases could help reduce rates of obesity, diabetes and other diet-related illnesses.

However, the lawsuit filed by SNAP recipients argues the restrictions unfairly single out low-income families and limit their ability to make their own food choices. Plaintiffs say the proposed bans would treat SNAP recipients differently from other consumers and could create confusion at grocery stores where some items would be eligible for purchase while others would not.

Advocacy groups supporting the lawsuit also argue that the restrictions fail to address broader issues related to food access, including the higher cost of healthier foods and the limited availability of fresh produce in some communities.

Under current federal rules, SNAP benefits can generally be used to purchase most grocery items except alcohol, tobacco and hot prepared foods.

Legal experts say the outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for how states attempt to regulate SNAP purchases in the future.

The case is expected to move through federal courts in the coming months as both sides argue over the balance between public health goals and the rights of benefit recipients to choose the foods they purchase.