local
Judge rules government can’t stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks
By GEOFF MULVIHILL at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· 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 Midland
In Midland , where many residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to make ends meet, this ruling has significant implications. The judge's decision to block restrictions on buying candy and sugary drinks with SNAP dollars means that local beneficiaries will continue to have the freedom to make their own choices about what to purchase with their benefits. This is particularly relevant in a community like Midland, where access to healthy food options can be limited in some areas. While the goals of promoting healthy eating habits are admirable, the ruling acknowledges that the federal government must follow its own regulations and definitions of "food" in implementing such restrictions. As the situation unfolds, it will be worth watching how local officials and advocacy groups respond to this ruling and whether they will explore alternative ways to encourage healthy food choices among SNAP beneficiaries in Midland.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by GEOFF MULVIHILL at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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