In a recent effort to promote healthier food choices, Governor Jim Pillen announced Nebraska’s intention to seek a waiver from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that would disallow the purchase of soda and energy drinks using SNAP benefits. On Monday, the governor presented a letter of intent to Secretary Brooke Rollins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), marking Nebraska as the second state to pursue such a waiver.
Accompanying Governor Pillen at the announcement were leaders from the Department of Health and Human Services, including Dr. Eric Sherman, Chief Medical Officer at the Charles Drew Health Center, and Senator Brian Hardin, Chair of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.
Governor Pillen remarked, ‘We are starving in the midst of plenty,’ emphasizing the abundance of unhealthy food and beverage options that contribute to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The SNAP program is designed to enhance access to nutritious foods for individuals and families. Currently, it allows the purchase of any food or beverage with a nutritional label, regardless of its health implications. In Nebraska alone, approximately 75,000 households benefit from SNAP, which includes around 67,690 children.
Research indicates a correlation between high soda consumption and negative behavioral outcomes in children, including attention problems. Additionally, excessive sugar intake is linked to severe health issues such as type 2 diabetes and heart diseases, while caffeine from energy drinks may lead to anxiety and sleep disturbances among youth.
Dr. Sherman stated, ‘Unfortunately, the obesity epidemic is only getting worse in the United States. I appreciate Governor Pillen for his willingness to take this important step to promote health and wellness in Nebraska.’
Steve Corsi, CEO of the Department of Health and Human Services, reiterated the importance of this initiative in protecting the health of Nebraska’s youth, stating, ‘The decision to omit harmful drinks from SNAP purchases will help children and families live healthy lives.’
Once the USDA approves the waiver, the Department of Health and Human Services plans to collaborate with grocers and stakeholders to implement the changes effectively, ensuring that SNAP beneficiaries can access healthier choices while maximizing their benefits.
Senator Hardin emphasized the need for change, stating, ‘We’re going to do something about that here in Nebraska, and other states will be following us in that endeavor.’
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