Described as a major victory for taxpayers and public health, Nebraska has become the first state in America to ban food stamps for soda and energy drinks purchases.
Announced by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, this historic waiver prevents welfare funds from being used to purchase sugary drinks that contribute to obesity and chronic disease.
As Secretary Rollins signed the document, she declared the waiver “a historic step to Make America Healthy Again.”
The secretary addressed Nebraska’s leadership by stating that SNAP “has, for too long, been used to buy things that are not nutritious for our children and for our younger-income families. The number one cost driver in the SNAP program is sugary drinks.”
When it takes effect in 2026, the new restriction will affect roughly 152,000 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients across Nebraska.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen strongly supported the initiative, emphasizing that taxpayer dollars should not subsidize unhealthy products.
“SNAP is about helping families in need get healthy food into their diets, but there’s nothing nutritious about the junk we’re removing with today’s waiver,” stated Pillen.
The initiative comes as part of a broader push by the Trump administration to reform welfare programs and improve Americans’ health.
A 2016 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) study revealed that soft drinks are the top commodity purchased with SNAP benefits, accounting for 5.4% of all program expenditures.
USDA remarked:
“As part of the Make America Healthy Again agenda, this historic action seeks to reverse alarming disease trends across the country. Prediabetes now affects one in three children ages 12 to 19; 40% of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic condition; and 15% of high school students drink one or more sodas daily.”
This statistic underscores the urgent need for reform in a program that costs taxpayers $100 billion every year and serves about 42 million Americans.
Nebraska’s groundbreaking move could inspire similar changes across the country.
Iowa, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, West Virginia, and Colorado have already requested similar waivers to restrict SNAP purchases.
Texas and Montana are also considering joining the movement, potentially creating a nationwide shift in how food assistance operates.
The federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 allows SNAP benefits for virtually any food except alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared foods.
Nebraska’s waiver marks the first time a state has successfully redefined SNAP-eligible foods.
Secretary Rollins and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made reforming SNAP a priority.
They have co-authored an op-ed outlining their strategy to improve American health through common-sense welfare reforms.
The effort aligns with President Donald Trump’s commitment to promote healthier living.
