local
Judge rules government can’t stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks
By GEOFF MULVIHILL at KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
In Laredo , where many residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to make ends meet, Monday's ruling has significant implications. The decision to block restrictions on buying candy and sugary drinks with SNAP benefits means that local families will continue to have the flexibility to make their own purchasing decisions. This is particularly important in a community where access to healthy food options can be limited, and the affordability of nutritious groceries is a concern. As the city's food assistance programs continue to evolve, it will be worth watching how local organizations and policymakers respond to the ruling, and whether they will explore alternative initiatives to promote healthy eating habits among SNAP beneficiaries. The fact that some states had already begun to implement restrictions, only to have them scuttled by the court, suggests that the issue is far from settled, and that Laredo residents can expect ongoing debate and discussion about the role of SNAP in promoting public health.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by GEOFF MULVIHILL at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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