USDA Approves Nebraska’s Banning Soda and Energy Drinks From Food Stamps

The American Beverage Association argues against such bans, saying they restrict ‘beverage choice.’

Soda cans on a shelf at a grocery store in San Anselmo, Calif., on June 3, 2024. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued a waiver on May 19 restricting the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds to buy soda or energy drinks in Nebraska, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a May 19 statement.

This is the first-ever state waiver banning soda and energy drinks from SNAP, popularly known as food stamps.