Nebraska will soon request federal approval to ban candy purchases using food assistance benefits.
LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – Nebraska plans to ask federal officials to prohibit buying candy with food assistance benefits.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday that it will submit a request to the USDA to expand the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Healthy Choice Waiver. According to the release, the change would make candy an ineligible item.
If approved, the restriction will take effect on Nov. 1, 2026.
The current Healthy Choice Waiver already bans the purchase of soda and energy drinks with SNAP benefits. This policy took effect at the start of this year.
Nebraska DHHS stated in the release that excessive sugar intake can lead to health conditions such as heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and tooth decay.
“Research from the USDA has shown that SNAP participants have a higher prevalence of obesity than both income-eligible and higher-income nonparticipants. That same study found that SNAP participants, on average, consume more added sugars and fewer fruits and vegetables than non-participants,” the release states.
The DHHS also cited a study from the University of Minnesota showing that restricting sugary foods increases healthier purchases and reduces purchases of sugary items.
The state will send details about the changes to SNAP participants, retailers, and community members ahead of implementation. More information will be available on the SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver webpage.
“DHHS continues to strengthen our Healthy Choice Waiver by adding candy to the list of items ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits,” said Shannon Grotrian, director of the Office of Economic Assistance, in the release. “This step supports healthier SNAP purchasing decisions and reflects the Department’s commitment to improving health outcomes for Nebraskans.”
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