Five individuals receiving food assistance benefits have filed a federal lawsuit challenging new government restrictions that bar them from purchasing candy, sugary beverages, and energy drinks with their benefits.
The legal action, filed Wednesday in Washington D.C. federal court, targets the U.S. Department of Agriculture over what the Trump administration calls “food restriction” waivers now active in 22 states nationwide.
The five individuals bringing the case – residents of Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia – argue these new rules “destabilize food access” for those enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have backed these restrictions as components of their “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
According to the lawsuit, the affected families depend on some of the now-restricted items for managing medical issues including diabetes and food allergies, as well as obtaining necessary energy for daily activities.
The restrictions create checkout confusion and force families into impossible financial decisions, the plaintiffs contend, making them choose between using cash for restricted foods or paying for essential expenses like housing and transportation.
Amanda Johnson from Knoxville, Tennessee, shared that her state’s waiver implementation would leave her autistic 19-year-old daughter with access to just three “safe” food and drink options – including only bottled water – due to a severe eating disorder.
Johnson explained that her daughter’s remaining six safe food choices, which include M&M’s and Welch’s fruit punch, would become unavailable under the restrictions.
An Agriculture Department representative declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter.
The legal challenge claims the department overstepped its authority by approving these waivers without proper “reasoned decision-making” and requests the court invalidate them.
Legal representation comes from the National Center for Law and Economic Justice, a nonprofit organization advocating for low-income individuals, working alongside a private legal firm.
The MAHA initiative has pushed for changes to federal dietary recommendations and supports other policies including restrictions on childhood vaccination programs.
