The Nutrition First Act of 2026 would restrict what foods people can buy with SNAP benefits (food stamps) by prohibiting purchases of nutritionally deficient foods. Specifically, the bill bans the use of SNAP funds for sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, candy, high-sugar desserts and snacks (such as cookies and pastries), and energy drinks, while allowing exceptions for beverages with milk, high fruit juice content, or products requiring preparation. The legislation amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and would affect all SNAP recipients nationwide. The bill would take effect 180 days after being signed into law, giving retailers and recipients time to adjust to the new restrictions. No specific funding allocation is mentioned, as the bill primarily changes eligibility rules rather than appropriating new money.
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