local
Judge rules government can’t stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks
By ABC at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· June 23, 2026
· 4 min read
The federal government can’t block benefits from the nation’s largest food aid program from being used to buy candy, soda and other sugary drinks, a judge ruled.
Monday’s ruling scuttles restrictions now in place or planned for the federally funded and state-run Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ...
Key takeaway Monday’s ruling scuttles restrictions now in place or planned for the federally funded and state-run Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in 23 states.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
In Minneapolis , the judge's ruling has significant implications for the over 70,000 households that rely on SNAP benefits to purchase food. The restrictions, which were set to be implemented in some form in 23 states, would have affected the purchasing power of these households, potentially limiting their ability to buy certain items at local grocery stores and markets. The ruling ensures that Minneapolis residents who receive SNAP benefits will continue to have the flexibility to make their own food choices, without fear of stigma or confusion over what items are allowed. As the city continues to grapple with issues of food insecurity and access to healthy food options, this ruling is a crucial development that will impact the daily lives of many Minneapolis residents. The city's social services and food assistance programs will likely be watching closely to see if the ruling is appealed, and how it will ultimately impact the delivery of food aid to those in need.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The federal government can’t block benefits from the nation’s largest food aid program from being used to buy candy, soda and other sugary drinks, a judge ruled.
Monday’s ruling scuttles restrictions now in place or planned for the federally funded and state-run Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ABC at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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