WASHINGTON, DC – A group of SNAP recipients filed a federal lawsuit this week after learning that several grocery stores had begun classifying bulk quantities of Fruit Roll-Ups as candy rather than produce, a distinction the plaintiffs argue unfairly targets families attempting to maintain what they describe as a “fruit-forward diet.”
The lawsuit centers around a recent policy interpretation that prevents SNAP benefits from being used on certain sugary items. According to the plaintiffs, the restriction ignores the obvious fact that the snack’s name contains the word “fruit,” which they argue should qualify it as a produce item under any reasonable understanding of the term.
“Fruit Roll-Ups are literally fruit that has been rolled up,” said lead plaintiff Marcus Delaney while leaving the courthouse. “If you take fruit, flatten it, and roll it up, that’s still fruit. It’s basic geometry.”
Attorneys representing the group argued the policy unfairly discriminates against low-income shoppers who rely on convenient fruit-based foods that do not require washing, peeling, or refrigeration.
Government lawyers declined to comment on the case but confirmed that Fruit Roll-Ups are currently listed under the federal government’s “candy and novelty snacks” category.
The group is also asking regulators to clarify whether strawberry-flavored slushies fall under the federal fruit intake guidelines.
