USDA delays start of South Carolina Healthy Food SNAP pilot
Fri, August 28, 2026 at 10:16 AM
UpdatedFri, August 28, 2026 at 5:01 PM
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USDA delays South Carolina Healthy Food SC SNAP pilot start date (WACH).
COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) —South Carolina’s planned rollout of a new nutrition initiative tied to SNAP benefits has been delayed at the request of the federal government
The South Carolina Department of Social Services said it received notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking the agency to postpone the Healthy Food SC demonstration project for households receiving SNAP benefits in South Carolina
Candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and other sweetened beverages will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in the state under a two-year initiative intended to encourage healthier food choices
Diet and zero-sugar soft drinks will remain eligible for purchase
READ MORE |DSS launches ‘Healthy Food SC Pilot’ program to encourage healthier habits
All SNAP-approved retailers statewide will participate in the initiative, and SNAP households will have to follow restrictions
The initiative promotes healthier food choices among SNAP participants by encouraging the purchase of more nutritious foods
The project had been set to begin Aug. 31, 2026, but the USDA requested a new implementation date of Nov. 1, 2026
The agency said a copy of the USDA directive is availablehere
