‘Pop is not a food group’: Gov. Pillen wants to remove some items from SNAP eligibility

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Gov. Jim Pillen signed a letter of intent Monday seeking to ban the purchase of pop and energy drinks with government grocery benefits.

The governor’s office called it an immediate step aimed at improving the health and wellness of Nebraskans. 

“The last time I checked, pop is not a food group,” Pillen said.

He is asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a waiver taking pop and energy drinks off the list of available items under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly called food stamps.

The governor cited a study by the University of Nebraska saying 7 out of 10 Nebraskans are obese.

“The purpose of the SNAP waiver is to quit giving our kids stuff that’s not important,” Pillen said.

Steve Corsi, the director of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, said pop made up the largest category of items purchased with SNAP benefits, at over 9%.

A few other states are making similar moves.

The Texas State Senate passed a bill banning SNAP recipients from using their benefits to buy junk food like chips, candy and pop. It still needs to be passed in the House.

Pillen said Nebraska is leading the way in making people healthier.