By The People’s Paper MS
MAGEE, Miss. — A federal judge blocked a plan that could have limited what families buy with food benefits, a decision that highlights broader food access issues affecting children across Mississippi.
U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled that federal law does not allow the government to restrict specific foods under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The proposal would have let states ban items such as candy and sugary drinks.
The ruling does not directly affect Mississippi. State leaders never sought a waiver to restrict SNAP purchases.
Still, the decision underscores a larger reality for families across the state — access to food remains a daily concern.
For many Mississippi families, the issue is not what they can buy, but whether they can afford enough food at all.
Nationwide, more than 4 million people lost SNAP benefits over the past year as stricter federal work requirements took effect. The rules now apply to more adults — up to age 64 — and limit exemptions for parents with children older than 13. Those who do not meet the requirements can lose benefits after three months.
In a state where nearly one in four children faces food insecurity, those cuts hit hard.
“When adults lose benefits, children feel it first,” said Kabir Karriem, chair of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus. “There is no question that Mississippi’s decision to opt out of the SUN Bucks program hurts children in House District 41 and across our state.”
Mississippi’s decision means thousands of families miss out on direct food support this summer.
The state opted out of the federal SUN Bucks program for 2026, which would have provided $120 per eligible child to help families buy groceries while school is out. The program replaces the free and reduced-price meals many children depend on during the school year.
An estimated 324,000 Mississippi children will not receive that benefit.
State leaders declined to participate, citing concerns about expanding welfare programs. The Mississippi Department of Human Services also previously pointed to limited infrastructure and staffing as barriers to implementing the program.
State Rep. Zakiya Summers calls it a failure to prioritize vulnerable residents.
“Governor Reeves says on his website, ‘I have never forgotten the oath to pursue service with the help of our God.’ Scripture reminds us in Matthew 25:35, ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,’” Summers said. “Yet, when given the opportunity to ensure that children across Mississippi have access to food, this administration chose to opt out. Putting politics ahead of feeding hungry children is unacceptable and deeply disappointing.”
Summers added that lawmakers funded the state’s $15 million match requirement because they viewed the issue as a moral responsibility.
“No child should go hungry because of political decisions,” Summers said. “We also understand there’s more to be done. When Washington fails families, Mississippi must be willing to stand in the gap. We must do better, and Mississippians should demand better from those elected to serve them.”
Karriem said summer months are especially difficult for families already struggling to keep food on the table.
“For many families, summer means the loss of school breakfasts and lunches that children depend on,” Karriem said. “SUN Bucks would have helped bridge that gap and ensure children have access to nutritious meals while school is out.”
He called the decision “deeply concerning,” noting the state’s high poverty rate and ongoing hunger challenges.
“Mississippi is one of the poorest states in the nation, and far too many of our children already face food insecurity,” Karriem said. “Turning away federal resources that could help feed children is deeply concerning.”
Rep. John Faulkner said the focus should remain on making sure children have consistent access to food, especially during the summer.
“I believe we should be doing everything within our power to make sure no child goes hungry during the summer months,” Faulkner said.
“When federal resources are available to help working families put food on the table, we ought to seriously consider every opportunity to bring those dollars home to Mississippi.”
“Our children deserve our best effort,” Faulkner said.
While the court ruling protects what families can buy, many Mississippi households are still facing a more urgent reality — how to keep food on the table for their children this summer.
That story coming soon.
