Nutrition First Act of 2026

This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to prohibit the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for nutritionally deficient foods. It redefines "food or food product" as "eligible food," which must meet nutritional standards set by the Secretary of Agriculture, thereby guiding recipients toward healthier dietary choices. The legislation explicitly excludes several categories of items from SNAP eligibility, including sugar-sweetened beverages , most candy preparations , and high-sugar beverages with carbonated water and a caloric sweetener as primary ingredients. Additionally, prepared desserts or snack foods high in added sugar, sodium, or saturated fat, along with energy drinks containing added sweeteners and stimulants, would be ineligible for purchase. These changes are set to take effect 180 days after the act's enactment.