SC lawmakers weigh permanent ban on candy, energy drinks for SNAP

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina lawmakers are considering whether to make a proposed federal restriction on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases permanent state law, a move critics warn could create confusion for families and retailers.

Beginning in August, the federal government will bar SNAP recipients in more than a dozen states — including South Carolina — from using benefits to buy candy, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages for two years. States like South Carolina applied for restriction waivers to do so.

Katie Dattilio, with the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network, told lawmakers the restrictions could make grocery shopping more difficult for low-income families.

“Grocery shopping will become more complicated. Families must spend more time navigating what they can and cannot buy, and parents are placed in the difficult position of trying to balance nutrition, cost and availability with fewer options,” Dattilio said.

The South Carolina Retail Association also raised concerns that permanently writing the restrictions into state law could conflict with future federal policy.

Collelly-Anne Ragley, with the South Carolina Department of Social Services, said the uncertainty of federal elections could put the state in a difficult position.

“If a different party wins the White House or wins the halls of Congress and we have this codified in state law, I don’t know how that would shake out. I could see that being a challenge,” Ragley said.

The SC Retail Association also testified that because SNAP is a federal program, they would be required to follow federal rules — even if those differ from future state law.

“As SNAP is a federal program, SNAP retailers will comply with the federal laws and the federal program. But I don’t believe it’s fair to put them in a position to be out of compliance with state law by passing something that we know will be inconsistent with federal law in the not-too-distant future,” a representative told lawmakers.

Across multiple hearings, no one testified in favor of the bill, and senators took no action.

If lawmakers ultimately pass the measure and federal regulations later change, the policy would likely face legal challenges, since SNAP is administered at the federal level.

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