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 The Laredo
In Laredo , where many families rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to make ends meet, this ruling has significant implications. The restrictions on buying candy and sugary drinks, which were set to be implemented in some form in 23 states, would have affected local households who use SNAP benefits to purchase groceries. While the goal of promoting healthy eating habits is admirable, the reality is that many families in Webb County struggle to access fresh, healthy food options, making it difficult to make informed choices. The judge's ruling acknowledges that the federal government must follow its own regulations, and it will be interesting to see how local officials and health advocates respond to this decision, potentially exploring alternative ways to encourage healthy eating habits among SNAP beneficiaries in the Laredo area.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo 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 The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by GEOFF MULVIHILL at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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