local
Judge rules government can't stop SNAP dollars from buying candy and sugary drinks
By Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 23, 2026
· 4 min read
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 Assistance P...
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 Pearland
In Pearland , where many residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to make ends meet, Monday's ruling has significant implications. The judge's decision to scuttle 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 like Pearland, where access to healthy food options can be limited in some areas. While the goals of the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign may be laudable, the reality is that many low-income families in Pearland and surrounding Brazoria County may not have access to affordable, healthy alternatives. As a result, the ruling may be seen as a victory for those who prioritize food security over restrictive regulations. Local health advocates will likely be watching to see how the ruling affects efforts to promote healthy eating habits in the community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? 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 Assistance P...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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