Nebraska leads national effort to promote healthier SNAP purchases through waiver request
Lincoln, Nebraska – Governor Jim Pillen has taken a significant step toward promoting healthier lifestyles for Nebraskans who receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Earlier this week, Gov. Pillen signed a letter of intent to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, expressing Nebraska’s plan to seek a SNAP waiver that would remove soda and energy drinks from the list of allowable purchases. Nebraska becomes just the second state in the nation to pursue such a waiver.
The announcement was made alongside leadership from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Dr. Eric Sherman from the Charles Drew Health Center, Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton, and Senator Brian Hardin, chair of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.
“We are starving in the midst of plenty,” said Governor Pillen. “We are surrounded by an endless number of food and beverage choices that contain numerous preservatives, carbohydrates and sugars, which can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and other chronic diseases.”
Targeting Nutrition to Improve Health Outcomes
SNAP currently allows recipients to purchase any item with a nutritional label, regardless of its health value. This includes sodas and sugary energy drinks. According to USDA data, soda is the most commonly purchased item using SNAP benefits. In Nebraska alone, 75,000 households—or approximately 152,000 individuals—receive SNAP assistance, including nearly 67,690 children and youth.
Health professionals warn that excessive sugar consumption is particularly dangerous for children. Dr. Eric Sherman, a pediatric endocrinologist, emphasized the long-term consequences of regular soda consumption.
“Unfortunately, the obesity epidemic is only getting worse in the United States,” said Dr. Sherman. “The key to making health improvements is to encourage physical activity, healthy food and drink choices, and healthy eating behaviors. I appreciate Governor Pillen for his willingness to take this important step to promote health and wellness in Nebraska.”
Studies have shown children who consume high levels of sugar and caffeine are more prone to attention issues, anxiety, tooth decay, type 2 diabetes, and even learning difficulties. Energy drinks, which are also allowable under current SNAP regulations, can raise blood pressure and disrupt sleep, compounding problems for young people.
A Step Toward Healthier Futures
Once the waiver is approved by the USDA, the Nebraska DHHS will work closely with grocery retailers and other stakeholders to roll out the change. The goal is to ensure SNAP participants have clear guidance and support as they shift toward healthier choices.
“The decision to omit harmful drinks from SNAP purchases is an important step that will help children and families live healthy lives and have bright futures,” said DHHS CEO Steve Corsi.
Shannon Grotrian, director of the DHHS Office of Economic Assistance, echoed this commitment. “My team and I are ready to hit the ground running and collaborate with our partners as we develop the waiver and implementation plan that expands outreach efforts and supports participants in accessing tools and resources to make informed and healthy choices.”
Setting an Example for Other States
Senator Brian Hardin underscored the importance of aligning SNAP spending with better nutrition, especially when it comes to soda consumption.
“We’re going to do something about that here in Nebraska and other states will be following us in that endeavor,” said Sen. Hardin. “It’s exciting to be part of something that helps people to live better and feel better.”
As Nebraska moves forward with its waiver request, the state aims to lead by example—demonstrating that small policy changes can have powerful impacts on long-term public health.
