Nebraska becomes first state to ban food stamps for soda, energy drinks

Nebraska became the first state to ban the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps, for soda and energy drinks after receiving a waiver from the Agriculture Department.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Monday signed the first waiver in U.S. history to amend the statutory definition of food for purchase with SNAP in Nebraska, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. SNAP already cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco and hot foods.

“Today’s waiver to remove soda and energy drinks from SNAP is the first of its kind, and it is a historic step to Make America Healthy Again, Rollins said.

The states of Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, and West Virginia have also sought similar waivers from USDA for soda and/or candy for their SNAPs.

“There’s absolutely zero reason for taxpayers to be subsidizing purchases of soda and energy drinks. 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,” Nebraska GOP Governor Jim Pillen said.