Setting a groundbreaking precedent, Nebraska has become the first state to stop welfare recipients from purchasing soda and energy drinks.
The historic decision affects 152,000 people on food stamps in the Cornhusker State and signals a major shift toward promoting healthier choices for low-income Americans.
Interestingly, six other states are already lining up to implement similar restrictions.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the groundbreaking waiver, describing it as “a historic step to Make America Healthy Again.”
The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s promise to reform government welfare programs while improving public health outcomes.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen strongly endorsed the initiative, while highlighting the true purpose of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“There’s absolutely zero reason for taxpayers to be subsidizing purchases of soda and energy drinks,” Pillen stated.
“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,” he added.
A 2016 US Department of Agriculture (USDA) study revealed that soft drinks are the top commodity purchased with SNAP benefits, accounting for 5.4% of expenditures.
This finding supports the notion that taxpayer dollars should not fund unhealthy choices that contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions.
The initiative is part of the Trump administration’s broader “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, which seeks to reverse alarming health trends nationwide.
According to USDA data, prediabetes now affects one in three children ages 12 to 19, and 40% of school-aged children have at least one chronic condition.
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 welfare reform.
Iowa, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, West Virginia, and Colorado have already submitted waiver requests to implement similar restrictions.
The federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 traditionally allowed SNAP benefits for virtually any food except alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared foods.
Previous attempts by states to restrict unhealthy purchases were rejected by Democrat administrations, which bowed to pressure from food industry lobbyists and left-wing activists.
Nebraska’s waiver will take effect in 2026, giving retailers and program participants time to prepare for the changes.
The $100 billion SNAP program serves roughly 42 million Americans nationwide, with administration shared between the USDA and state agencies.
Secretary Rollins noted, “[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.”
While predictably facing criticism from liberal advocacy groups, the waiver represents a reform that most hardworking Americans support.
Texas, Montana, and Idaho are also considering similar restrictions, potentially creating a nationwide movement toward responsible use of taxpayer dollars for genuine nutritional needs rather than empty calories.
