Overview

• Nebraska's approved waiver prohibits soda and energy drinks from being purchased with SNAP benefits, impacting approximately 152,000 recipients starting January 1, 2026.
• This is the first federal waiver of its kind, amending the definition of eligible foods under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Idaho has submitted a pending request to ban soda and candy from SNAP purchases, with implementation expected as early as July 1, 2025, if approved.
• Six additional Republican-led states, including Arkansas, Indiana, and Iowa, have filed similar waiver requests to restrict SNAP purchases of certain items.
• Critics argue the restrictions are paternalistic, add administrative burdens, and fail to address the lack of access to affordable, healthy foods in low-income communities.