Nebraska
Candy to be added to SNAP-prohibited items in Nebraska
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced today that it is submitting a request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Healthy Choice Waiver to include candy as an ineligible purchase. Once approved, the restriction will take effect November 1, 2026.
“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 (OEA). “This step supports healthier SNAP purchasing decisions and reflects the Department’s commitment to improving health outcomes for Nebraskans.”
The change builds on the current Healthy Choice Waiver, which already prohibits the purchase of soda and energy drinks, a policy that took effect January 1, 2026.
Excessive consumption of sugar can contribute to a range of serious health conditions, including heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and dental 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. Another study from the University of Minnesota found that restriction of sugary foods led to an increase in healthier purchases and a decrease in sugary food purchases.
Prior to the implementation date, educational information will be sent to SNAP participants, retailers, and community members outlining the changes. Additional information including the definition of candy, will be shared in the following weeks on the SNAP Healthy Choice Waiver webpage at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Healthy-Choices-Waiver.aspx. This will include frequently asked questions (FAQ), information on healthy alternative purchases, and other community resources.
The Nebraska baseball team has earned the No. 2 seed in next week’s Big Ten Baseball Tournament. The event is scheduled for May 19-24 at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
Nebraska has a record of 41-14 overall and 23-7 in the conference. The UCLA Bruins earned the top seed with an impressive 48-6 record and a 28-2 mark in the Big Ten, with losses to Oregon and Washington.
The Huskers are set to play in the quarterfinal round on Friday at 5 p.m. CT. The opponent will be decided on Thursday afternoon. The Big Ten Championship Game will be played on Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m. CT.
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LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – A significant severe weather threat continues to unfold across Nebraska, with the Storm Prediction Center placing Lincoln in the path of potentially scattered to numerous severe storms through early next week.
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Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop out in western Nebraska this afternoon and evening. Winds up to 80 mph and hail up to tennis ball size are the main concerns though isolated tornadoes are possible as well.
Saturday Evening: Two Rounds of Storms
The first round of storms is possible late this afternoon, more likely this evening from the south. All severe weather hazards are on the table, including widely scattered strong tornadoes, damaging winds gusting up to if not above 75 mph and hail the size of limes to hen eggs or larger.
A second round of storms will move in late tonight from the west and continue into the overnight hours. While strong winds remain the primary concern, tornadoes and large hail are still possible.
Sunday: Tornado Risk Increases
A Weather Alert Day continues Sunday as the tornado threat escalates. The potential for strong tornadoes is rated high to very high across parts of central and northern Nebraska, especially in the northeastern portion of the state.
Wind gusts up to 75 mph and lime to hen egg sized hail remain possible. Storms are expected to develop late afternoon, with the greatest threat throughout the evening and into the overnight hours.
Monday: Greatest Overall Risk
Monday presents the greatest overall risk once again. A Weather Alert Day is in effect as widely scattered strong to intense tornadoes are possible, along with wind gusts up to 75 mph and hail ranging from baseball to softball sized. The primary timing window is late afternoon through the evening hours.
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