South Carolina Public Radio |
By
SC Public Radio Staff
Published August 27, 2026 at 12:15 PM EDT
Allison Dinner/AP
/
FR171780 AP
The South Carolina Department of Social Services says it is postponing the launch of Healthy Food SC until November at the request of the federal government. The program was set to begin Aug. 31
The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) is postponing the launch of Healthy Food SC at the request of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Under the program, originally set to begin Aug. 31, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will no longer be able to purchase items like candy, energy drinks, sodas and other sweetened beverages using SNAP benefits. The new launch date is Nov. 1
A copy of the directive from the USDA can be found here
Healthy Food SC is a two year initiative to encourage healthier eating by limiting the purchase of food and drinks that lack nutritional value. Diet and zero sugar soft drinks will not be included as part of the new restrictions
SCDSS says all SNAP approved retailers will participate in the program. It’s also mandatory for all participating households in the state
More than 235,000 households representing nearly 482,000 South Carolinians currently utilize SNAP benefits. That amounts to a cost of more than $89.3 million
