Nevada preparing waiver to block food aid recipients from buying sugary drinks, candy

The Nevada agency responsible for administering food stamps is planning to ask the federal government to prohibit recipients from using the benefits to buy sugary and energy drinks and certain candies. The Division of Social Services told state lawmakers on Tuesday that they are planning to request a waiver that would take effect in 2028. The waiver would also allow recipients to buy additional hot foods, such as rotisserie chickens. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved similar waivers for 18 other states. The requests come as states impose new federal work requirements before people can access the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.