By Jamie Martin
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has made a landmark policy move by signing the first-ever waiver to modify the statutory definition of food eligible for purchase through Nebraska’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Beginning January 1, 2026, soda and energy drinks will no longer be permitted for purchase using SNAP benefits in Nebraska.
“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,” said Secretary Rollins. “Under President Trump’s leadership, I have encouraged states to serve as the ‘laboratories of innovation.’ Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and Governors in Iowa, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, West Virginia, and Colorado are pioneers in improving the health of our nation.”
“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," said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen.
"I’m grateful to have worked with Secretary Rollins and the Trump Administration to get this effort across the finish line. It is a tremendous step toward improving the health and well-being of our state. We have to act because we can’t keep letting Nebraskans starve in the midst of plenty."
Previously, SNAP allowed the purchase of most food and beverage products, excluding alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, and non-food items. With this new waiver, Nebraska becomes the first state to expand that list to include soda and energy drinks.
This policy change is part of the broader Make America Healthy Again initiative, which aims to combat rising health issues in the U.S. Statistics show that one in three children aged 12 to 19 is prediabetic, 40% of youth have a chronic condition, and 15% of high schoolers consume at least one soda per day.
Rollins, in coordination with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has encouraged states to propose bold reforms under the “Laboratories of Innovation” effort, aimed at transforming public health through smarter, healthier policy.
Photo Credit: snap
Categories: National