local
Judge rules government can’t stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks
By GEOFF MULVIHILL at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 23, 2026
· 4 min read
(AP) - 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 Assis...
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 Nashville
In Nashville , the judge's ruling has significant implications for the over 120,000 households that rely on SNAP benefits to purchase food. The restrictions, which were set to be implemented in some form in Tennessee, would have limited the purchasing power of these households, potentially forcing them to choose between buying staples like milk and bread or sugary treats. While the goal of promoting healthy eating habits is laudable, the ruling highlights the need for a more nuanced approach that takes into account the complexities of food access and affordability in low-income communities. As the city continues to grapple with issues of food insecurity and public health, policymakers must consider alternative strategies that balance the need to promote healthy eating with the reality of limited food options in many Nashville neighborhoods. The ruling also raises questions about the role of state and local governments in shaping food policy, and how they can work together to support the health and well-being of SNAP beneficiaries.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville 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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more The Nashville stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (AP) - 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 Assis...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by GEOFF MULVIHILL at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter