Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) users cannot purchase soft drinks or energy drinks with their food stamps in Nebraska. The SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver, signed by Gov. Jim Pillen and put into effect Jan. 1, is to “restrict the purchase of non-nutritious items like soda and candy,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. The waiver is designed to ensure that taxpayer dollars go to nutritious options only.  

This waiver is part of the larger initiative “Make America Healthy Again,” a push by the Trump administration, which urges Americans to prioritize protein and healthy fats while limiting consumption of ultra processed foods, especially those with added sugar.  

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said in a statement, “With these new waivers, we are empowering states to lead, protecting our children from the dangers of highly processed foods,” she said, “moving one step closer to the President’s promise to make America healthy again.”  

While Nebraska was the first state to accept one of these waivers, many states have followed suit. The items barred from SNAP eligibility vary from state to state. West Virgina and Utah have similar rules to Nebraska, while Florida’s waiver is stricter with soda, energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts disallowed under the new regulation.   

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has made some recommendations for healthy alternatives for these beverages. Some of these alternatives are photographed (above, below, to the right??)  

Alternatives not photographed are coffee, green or black tea, milk, coconut water, smoothies, and fruit-infused still water.