SOUTH CAROLINA (WPDE) — The Healthy Food SC demonstration project planned for the end of August has been postponed until November 1, 2026.
The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) received a notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting that the Healthy Food SC demonstration project for households receiving SNAP benefits in South Carolina, which SCDSS was prepared to begin on August 31, 2026, be postponed.
In a directive to SCDSS, acting administrator of the Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) Sheila Corley asked SCDSS to delay the project so that FNA can issue a notice in the Federal Register and assess public comments prior to implementation.
“We thank you and your team for all effort you have put into this project to date and appreciate your continued partnership as we move toward implementation,” Corley said.
PREVIOUSLY: DSS launches ‘Healthy Food SC Pilot’ program to encourage healthier habits
SCDSS previously launched the Healthy Food SC project to help SNAP recipients “make healthier food choices,” SCDSS said in a press release. The program was approved by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) at the USDA.
The initiative was launched in response to a waiver requested by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster seeking to exclude the purchase of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages from the list of eligible foods under SNAP, also known as food stamps.
Diet and zero sugar soft drinks would remain an allowable purchase with SNAP benefits under new restrictions.
All South Carolina SNAP approved retailers were planned to participate in this project, and SNAP households in South Carolina will not have the option to opt out of these food restrictions.
