COLUMBIA, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is pushing for changes to what people can buy with food stamps.
On Thursday, he signed an executive order directing the state’s Department of Social Services to ask the federal government for permission to stop SNAP benefits from being used to buy candy, soft drinks, energy drinks, and other sugary beverages.
The request, if approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, would mean SNAP recipients could no longer use their benefits to buy:
- Candy, like chocolate bars and other sweet treats (though protein bars, granola bars, and baking ingredients like chocolate chips would still be allowed)
- Energy drinks with high caffeine levels (but coffee and tea would remain)
- Soft drinks, such as sodas and other fizzy, sweetened drinks
- Sweetened beverages, like sweet tea and lemonade, unless they are mostly juice or contain milk or milk alternatives
Some drinks would still be allowed, including:
- Milk-based beverages
- Juice that’s mostly fruit or vegetable with no added sugar
- Baby formula
- Sports drinks
- Carbonated water
- Medical nutrition drinks
McMaster’s order gives DSS just two weeks to submit the waiver. If the USDA denies it, the state will revise and try again until it’s approved…