LINCOLN- Gov. Jim Pillen and other state officials have asked for federal permission to prevent Nebraskans from using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to purchase pop or energy drinks. The change is aimed at directing families toward healthier purchases and protecting Nebraska’s children, Pillen said at a news conference Monday, during which he signed a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture. SNAP provides money to households — adults and children — with little or no income to purchase food. More than 150,000 Nebraskans benefit from SNAP, about 7.5% of residents.

Steve Corsi, chief executive of the Department of Health and Human Services, and Eric Sherman, chief medical officer of Omaha’s Charles Drew Health Center, said sugary, caffeinated drinks are linked to diabetes, tooth decay and obesity, along with behavior and focus issues for children. Sherman said lower-income people have higher rates of obesity and the measure Nebraska requested will help prevent obesity in poorer communities and create opportunities to teach SNAP recipients about healthy diets. More than one-third of residents are obese, according to DHHS.

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