Five SNAP recipients have filed a federal lawsuit challenging USDA-approved waivers that let certain states restrict which foods can be purchased with benefits.
Key Takeaways
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Legality of waivers challenged: The plaintiffs contend USDA’s approval of state-specific food restriction waivers violates the Administrative Procedure Act and exceeds the Food and Nutrition Act’s limits on pilot projects.
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Operational strain on retailers: The suit says vague, state-by-state rules force grocers to interpret eligibility on their own, overhaul e-commerce systems, train staff, and manage disputes without a clear process for customers to appeal denied purchases.
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Harm to SNAP recipients alleged: According to the complaint, the waivers block access to items some recipients need for chronic conditions, eating disorders, and hydration, breaking with decades of consistent national standards and ignoring prior USDA rejections of similar restrictions.
