COLUMBIA, S.C. — Low-income families in South Carolina who rely on SNAP benefits will soon see major changes in what they can buy.
The USDA has approved Gov. Henry McMaster’s request to restrict SNAP purchases of candy, soft drinks, high-caffeine energy drinks and most sweetened beverages, making South Carolina one of 18 states granted similar waivers.
The new rules, part of a waiver the governor’s office says aligns with President Donald Trump’s national nutrition initiative, tighten the definition of what qualifies as a SNAP-eligible food item. The restrictions include:
- Candy, though, protein bars, baked goods and baking ingredients remain allowed.
- Energy drinks with more than 65 milligrams of caffeine per eight ounces.
- Soft drinks with more than five grams of added sugar.
- Most sweetened beverages, unless they contain milk, at least 50% fruit or vegetable juice, are infant formula, sports drinks, carbonated water or medically necessary nutrition products.
Dr. Danielle Krobath, an epidemiology professor at the University of South Carolina, said there is no research showing that SNAP food restrictions improve health outcomes or change purchasing habits…