Nebraska has become the first U.S. state to receive federal approval to ban the purchase of soda and energy drinks using SNAP (food stamp) benefits.

The waiver, signed by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, will take effect on January 1, 2026, affecting about 152,000 SNAP recipients in the state.

This marks a historic shift in SNAP policy, with other Republican-led states also seeking similar restrictions, Newsweek has reported.

The change comes amid ongoing debates about limiting unhealthy food purchases with federal nutrition aid.

Written by B.C. Begley