First-in-the-nation waiver restricting soda and energy drinks from SNAP took effect Jan. 1

LINCOLN — In April 2025, Governor Jim Pillen signed a letter of intent seeking a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to remove soda and energy drinks from the list of items eligible for purchase through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Shortly thereafter, Governor Pillen hosted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in Nebraska, where Secretary Rollins a…