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.
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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 available here.
