NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A federal judge has temporarily blocked efforts to restrict what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can buy, including Tennessee’s limitations on junk food taking effect this summer, along with other states in 2026.
The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by SNAP participants challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s approval of state pilot projects that would restrict certain food and beverage purchases.
Here’s when soda, candy and other junk food will be removed from SNAP benefits in TN
Previously, the USDA had approved waivers for 18 states, including Tennessee, to restrict SNAP purchases of certain items like soda, candy and other sugary foods. Tennessee’s restrictions were scheduled to begin July 31.
More than 600,000 Tennesseans receive SNAP benefits.
Tennessee SNAP enrollment declined through first four months of 2026, data shows
In the court ruling, the judge said USDA relied on the wrong section of federal law when approving the pilot projects. The court said the section used by the agency does not cover projects aimed at improving SNAP recipients’ health, nutrition and obesity outcomes.
The judge vacated USDA approval letters for the pilot projects and sent the matter back to the agency. The court noted that Tennessee’s pilot program had been scheduled to take effect on July 31, 2026.
The ruling temporarily halts efforts in Tennessee and other states to restrict SNAP purchases of items such as soda, candy and desserts.
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