Nebraska Considers Bill to Maximize SNAP Benefits for Eligible Residents

Proposed legislation would direct DHHS to secure maximum federal funding for 150,000 Nebraskans who receive SNAP benefits.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Nebraska Legislature is considering a bill that would give SNAP benefits to as many people who are eligible as possible. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to "maximize federal funding" for programs like SNAP, the federal government's food assistance program. This comes after SNAP benefits were paused during the federal government's shutdown in 2025, leading to increased demand at the Food Bank for the Heartland.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation aims to ensure that all eligible Nebraskans receive the maximum SNAP benefits they are entitled to, helping to address food insecurity in the state. This is especially important given the disruption to SNAP benefits during the 2025 federal government shutdown, which strained local food banks.

The details

The bill would direct DHHS to secure the maximum federal funding available for SNAP benefits in Nebraska. A government report found that about 150,000 people in Nebraska currently receive SNAP benefits. Tim Williams of the Food Bank for the Heartland supports the legislation, stating "At the end of the day, we all want to make sure people just have their basic needs met."

  • SNAP benefits were paused during the federal government's shutdown in 2025.

The players

Nebraska Legislature

The state legislature of Nebraska, which is considering the bill to maximize SNAP benefits for eligible residents.

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

The state agency that would be directed by the proposed legislation to secure maximum federal funding for SNAP benefits in Nebraska.

Food Bank for the Heartland

A local food bank that supports the proposed legislation, as it stepped up to address increased demand for food assistance during the 2025 federal government shutdown when SNAP benefits were paused.

Tim Williams

A representative from the Food Bank for the Heartland who expressed support for the legislation, stating the importance of ensuring people's basic needs are met.

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What they’re saying

“At the end of the day, we all want to make sure people just have their basic needs met.”

— Tim Williams, representative, Food Bank for the Heartland (3newsnow.com)

What’s next

The Nebraska Legislature will continue to consider the proposed bill to maximize SNAP benefits for eligible residents.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to ensure that all Nebraskans who qualify for SNAP benefits are able to receive the maximum assistance available, helping to address food insecurity in the state following disruptions to the program during the 2025 federal government shutdown.