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Nebraska has become the first state in the country to receive federal approval to ban the purchase of sodas and energy drinks with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps. This decision, which will affect some 152,000 beneficiaries in the state, was announced by US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who called the move "a historic step to Make America Healthy Again".
The policy, which will take effect on January 1, 2026, represents a significant shift in the istration of the federal food assistance program, which serves more than 42 million Americans. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen defended the initiative, stating that "there is absolutely no reason for taxpayers to subsidize the purchase of soft drinks and energy drinks." In his view, the purpose of SNAP is to encourage healthy eating, and the products removed do not add nutritional value.
Another six states that could follow suit are Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Indiana, Iowa and West Virginia. These have also requested similar waivers from the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Some of these requests seek to ban products such as flavored popcorn, low-fruit juices and even expand access to hot meals such as rotisserie chicken.
However, not everyone agrees
Although the federal istration presented the measure as a victory for public health, criticism was not long in coming. Organizations such as the Food Research & Action Center argue that the restrictions do not address the underlying problem. Gina Plata-Nino, the center's deputy director, argued that "incentive-based, not punitive, policies are more effective and dignified in improving nutrition."
In Nebraska, Eric Savaiano of Nebraska Appleseed expressed concern about the real impact on beneficiaries. "The average daily benefit in the state is $5.82 per person, less than $2 per meal. If we really want people to eat better, we should give them more resources and not shame them for their choices in public."
The measure 'threatens' costs and logistics
There are also fears that the implementation of these restrictions will increase istrative costs and complicate logistics for small retailers, especially in rural areas, which could further reduce shopping options for those already facing food insecurity.
The move comes as congressional Republicans weigh a $230 billion cut to the SNAP program as part of a budget package in line with the Trump istration's tax cuts. An analysis by Yale University argues that these decisions would transfer wealth from the poorest 40% of the population to the richest 1% through reductions in assistance programs and tax cuts.