SNAP recipients stretching dollars amid changes to food assistance program

Cuts in funding and a ban on junk food are tightening wallets and reducing options for the more than 150,000 Nebraskans on SNAP.

By Philip Catalfamo, WOWT

(February 24, 2026)

New SNAP restrictions in Nebraska are raising questions about whether it helps or hurts low-income shoppers already stretching tight budgets.

Cuts in funding and a ban on junk food are tightening wallets and reducing options for the more than 150,000 Nebraskans on SNAP.

It comes at a time when we’re all facing higher prices at the grocery store.

“Tuna was on sale but it was cheaper to buy the big packs so I went that direction,” said SNAP recipient Amanda Gerhson.

This is a typical food haul for Amanda Gerhson.

Amanda’s diet is gluten-free because of several autoimmune issues. A heart attack she suffered at 36 limits her diet further.

“I love these bagels but they are about $9 and I get four of them,” explained Amanda.

Amanda paid for her most recent grocery trip out of pocket. Typically, she uses her $290 SNAP allowance to cover a trip like this, but rising grocery costs are tightening her dollars.

“Fruits and vegetables are very expensive, I do not purchase those from the store at all. I just cannot afford them,” said Amanda. “So I rely on the food banks and that is one of the things I can actually get there.”

It is a reality we are all facing at the grocery store. The Department of Agriculture predicts food at home prices will increase about 1.7% in 2026.

“Previously, my food stamps would cover about 95% of my food,” said Amanda. “But over the last year, I am getting closer to about 75% so that last week is on me financially.”

Along with less money in her pocket, the junk food ban in Nebraska created more obstacles.

In the past, Amanda would buy some now banned items like ginger ale, or chips and salsa which she says fit her diet.

“A lot of the stuff that they consider junk food is inexpensive and that is why they get it,” said Amanda. “The average person in Nebraska gets $168 or $178 a month in food stamps, and that is it. So yes, they are going to buy the ramen, they are going to buy the mac and cheese.”

Nebraska is one of 18 states banning the use of SNAP benefits for junk food through a USDA waiver.

At the time of its signing, Gov. Jim Pillen argues the ban is about health, not hardship saying quote:

“SNAP is about helping families in need get healthy food into their diets, but there’s nothing nutritious about the junk we’re removing with today’s waiver...It is a tremendous step toward improving the health and well-being of our state.”

For Amanda, the reality is $200 worth of groceries that fit her dietary needs.

“I got enough to make two casseroles this week, and I will have some leftovers. I got a few easy to make meals,” explained Amanda.

All packed into four bags that she will make work, because she has to.

Iowa is also included in the states with a junk food ban for SNAP recipients. The restrictions are estimated to impact about 14 million people, and the list of prohibited items varies by state.