• Nebraska secures first federal waiver to ban soda and energy drinks from SNAP benefits.
• The ban affects approximately 152,000 recipients starting January 1, 2026.
• Other states are considering similar restrictions on SNAP purchases.
• Supporters argue it promotes healthier diets, but critics raise concerns about food insecurity.
• The move represents a significant shift in U.S. nutrition policy regarding food assistance.

Nebraska has become the first state in the United States to ban soda and energy drinks from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, following the approval of a federal waiver by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This historic decision, announced on Monday and set to take effect on January 1, 2026, impacts around 152,000 Nebraskans who rely on SNAP, previously known as food stamps, according to Newsweek.

The waiver allows Nebraska to restrict the use of SNAP funds on these beverages, amplifying ongoing discussions nationwide about the health impacts of sugary drinks. Governor Jim Pillen emphasized the importance of this change, stating, “There’s absolutely zero reason for taxpayers to be subsidizing purchases of soda and energy drinks” (The Hill and NY Times).

This policy shift emerges as part of a broader initiative within the USDA under the Trump administration, seeking to curb taxpayer funding for what are perceived as unhealthy food choices. Other Republican-led states, including Arkansas, Iowa, and Indiana, are also pursuing similar waivers, indicating a trend that may reshape food assistance policies across the country, as noted by Newsweek and NY Times.

Health experts collectively argue that limiting access to these drinks through SNAP could potentially reduce rates of obesity and chronic illnesses related to sugary beverage consumption. However, critics contend that such bans do not address the systemic issues of food insecurity and could be perceived as patronizing to SNAP recipients. Marion Nestle, a nutritionist at New York University, commented, “Some of this comes from the belief that taxpayers should not be subsidizing unhealthy diets” (NY Times and Newsweek).

As the Nebraska program moves toward implementation, the state's Department of Health and Human Services plans to track participant spending habits and gather feedback to assess the initiative's effectiveness. This pilot program may serve as a reference point for other states seeking similar SNAP restrictions, indicating a possible shift in how federal food assistance is administered in the future (The Hill and NY Times).