Governor Henry McMaster has issued an executive order directing the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) to seek a federal waiver that would restrict what can be purchased with food stamps. The proposed change would make it illegal to buy candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and other sweetened beverages using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The executive order aims to ensure that federal taxpayer dollars are used for healthy, nutritious food rather than items with little nutritional value. The governor’s office stated that the move is a common-sense approach to promote healthier outcomes for families in South Carolina.
Under the order, candy would be defined as preparations of sugar and other sweeteners, but the ban would not apply to protein bars, granola bars, or baking ingredients. Energy drinks containing at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounces would be banned, but coffee or tea would not be. The order also defines and bans soft drinks and sweetened beverages with five or more grams of added sugar. Exemptions would be made for milk products, natural fruit or vegetable juices, infant formula, sports drinks, and medical beverages.
DSS has been directed to submit the waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) within 14 days. The governor has instructed the agency to revise and resubmit the request as many times as necessary until it is approved.
The executive order comes amid data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which shows that SNAP recipients, especially children, consume significantly more sugary drinks than nonrecipients. If the waiver is approved, South Carolina would join a growing number of states that have implemented similar restrictions on SNAP purchases. The governor’s office stated that this action aligns with a national effort to improve public health.
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