(WASHINGTON) - Indiana's ban on using SNAP benefits to buy candy, soda and other sugary drinks remains in place after a federal judge pushed back against similar restrictions in other states.
A federal district judge ruled this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture overstepped its authority by allowing states to restrict what SNAP recipients can buy with their benefits.
Emily Weikert Bryant with Feeding Indiana's Hungry says 23 states, including Indiana, have either banned or plan to ban the use of SNAP dollars for candy, soda and other sugary drinks.
Indiana was not one of the five states involved in the legal challenge, so the state's restrictions remain in place for now.
Indiana's ban took effect in January after Governor Mike Braun signed executive orders the previous year aimed at changing the program.
Bryant says Indiana could be forced to roll back its restrictions if a nationwide injunction is issued.
She also says Congress could change the issue by giving the USDA authority to restrict what SNAP dollars can buy.
The USDA has 30 days to appeal the judge's ruling.