POLITICS

States Restrict SNAP Purchases Amid Federal Disputes Nationwide

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Right 33%

Sources: 9

60-Second Summary

United States — State governments and federal agencies moved to restrict items purchasable with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, prompting legal challenges. Tennessee will ban processed foods and sugary drinks effective July 31, 2026; Georgia lawmakers proposed similar restrictions and annual recertification; Iowa began enforcing a rule limiting sugary drinks this month. The USDA sought recipient data and officials suspended payments to noncompliant states, prompting lawsuits and injunction requests. States report hundreds of thousands to over a million SNAP recipients affected and millions in federal funds at stake and ongoing policy debates. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

About this summary

This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 6 original reports from My Bellingham Now -, MinnPost, The Tennessean, Axios, https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com and https://www.wrdw.com.

Timeline of Events

Last year: Attorneys general sued USDA after the agency requested personal SNAP recipient data.
A U.S. District Court in Northern California granted a preliminary injunction blocking the data-sharing directive.
January 1, 2026: Five states enacted SNAP restrictions on sugary drinks, candy and similar items.
Early January 2026: USDA suspended approximately $129 million in grants to Minnesota, prompting state filings for injunctive relief.
This month and upcoming: Iowa began enforcing item limits; Tennessee plans changes starting July 31, 2026; Georgia lawmakers proposed a similar 2026 bill.