Nebraska has become the first state in the U.S. to receive a federal waiver allowing it to ban the purchase of soda and energy drinks through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. The change, announced Monday by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, affects roughly 152,000 SNAP recipients in the state and takes effect January 1.
Gov. Jim Pillen praised the waiver as a step toward promoting healthier eating. “There’s absolutely zero reason for taxpayers to be subsidizing purchases of soda and energy drinks,” Pillen said.
Six other states, including Arkansas, Colorado, and Iowa, have submitted similar waiver requests. The initiative aligns with efforts from Rollins and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to limit sugary foods in SNAP.
Anti-hunger advocates say the ban increases stigma and administrative costs. “Incentives, not restrictions, are the most effective path to improving nutrition,” said Gina Plata-Nino of the Food Research & Action Center.
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