Judge Blocks Bans on Using Food Stamps for Sugary Drinks and Candy

A federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from barring the use of food stamps to buy sugary drinks and candy.

Since last year, the Agriculture Department has approved waivers in more than 20 states that allow them to bar participants in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from using their benefits to buy soda, energy drinks, candy or other prepared desserts. In March, recipients in five states sued the agency over the waivers, arguing that the limits were unlawful and confusing and made it difficult to manage health conditions like diabetes.