Nebraska became the first state to ban the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing soda and energy drinks, and governors in several other states have submitted waivers to the federal government to implement similar restrictions.

Nebraska is the first state to receive a federal waiver to ban the purchase of soda and energy drinks under the food benefit program for low-income Americans long known as food stamps

Under the waiver approved by the USDA, starting Jan. 1, 2026, Iowans who receive SNAP won't be able to use their benefits to purchase items including garden seeds and food-producing plants, candy, gum,