USDA approves first-ever SNAP food restriction waiver, in Nebraska (May 19, 2025 )
May 19, 2025 — Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins signed what the USDA called the first-ever waiver amending SNAP's statutory definition of eligible foods, allowing Nebraska to ban recipients from using food stamp benefits to buy soda and energy drinks, effective January 1, 2026. Indiana and Iowa waivers restricting soft drinks and candy followed within days.
The administration framed the move as part of the "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, citing statistics that prediabetes now affects one in three adolescents and that 40 percent of school-age children have at least one chronic condition. Prior to these waivers, SNAP recipients could purchase virtually any grocery item except alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, and hygiene products.
Retailer associations immediately raised concerns about the emerging patchwork of varying state-by-state rules. The National Grocers Association and allied groups estimated implementation costs near $1.6 billion initially, with ongoing annual costs around $759 million. Anti-hunger advocates questioned whether the restrictions would meaningfully improve recipients' diets or simply create new barriers to food access, particularly for recipients in rural areas with limited store choices.
| https://www.usda.gov/node/64049 |