Nebraska has become the first state to ban soda and energy drinks from being bought with SNAP benefits. The change, approved by the federal government, will affect about 152,000 low-income residents .
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the move, calling it a historic step to improve public health. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen said taxpayers should not fund purchases of unhealthy drinks through food stamps. He emphasized that SNAP should help families buy nutritious food.
SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a federal program that helps about 42 million Americans buy groceries. Until now, SNAP benefits could be used for nearly all foods except alcohol, tobacco, and hot foods.
While some lawmakers have wanted to limit purchases of junk foods like soda and chips, the USDA had previously rejected these restrictions. Nebraska’s waiver is the first to get approval, though six other states have requested similar changes.
However, some experts disagree with the ban. Gina Plata-Nino from the Food Research & Action Center said research shows incentives work better than restrictions to improve nutrition. She and other advocates worry the ban could cause confusion, extra costs, and stigma for people already struggling with food access.
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