SC delays changes to SNAP restricting candy, soda purchases

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina will now delay a program that would restrict what can be bought under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP).

In a memo from the United States Department of Agriculture dated Aug. 25, the state was asked to delay the Healthy Food SC project to Nov. 1. The program was previously set to take effect on Aug. 31.

The project, approved by the USDA in late 2025, will exclude candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and sweetened beverages from the list of foods eligible for purchase under SNAP.

Diet and zero-sugar soft drinks will remain allowable purchases.

In its memo, the USDA said its own counsel and the Department of Justice are continuing to review and analyze court orders that vacated similar restrictions in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia.

How the program came about

Gov. Henry McMaster announced his intent to pursue a federal waiver for the restrictions in August 2025, issuing an executive order that September directing the South Carolina Department of Social Services to submit the waiver request.

The USDA approved the waiver in December 2025.

Who will be affected

All South Carolina SNAP-approved retailers will participate in the program. SNAP households will not have the option to opt out of the food restrictions.

In June 2026, the program provided SNAP benefits to 235,235 households representing 481,856 individuals, totaling $89,341,975 in federally funded benefits.

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