A legislative proposal to restrict the types of food and beverages eligible for purchase with federal food assistance is advancing in the South Carolina State House. Senate Bill 777, currently under review by a Senate subcommittee, would permanently ban the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds for candy, energy drinks, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
The legislation aims to improve public health outcomes by encouraging more nutritious choices among the more than 520,000 South Carolinians who rely on SNAP benefits. The proposal mirrors a federal demonstration waiver recently approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which allows the state to test these specific dietary restrictions starting later this year.
Defining the Restrictions
If enacted, the bill would specifically target non-nutritious items that contribute to diet-related chronic diseases. The South Carolina Department of Social Services has indicated that the goal is to ensure taxpayer-funded benefits are used for essential nutrition.
The proposed definitions include:
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Candy: Sugary confectionery items, excluding protein bars, granola bars, or baking staples like chocolate chips.
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Soft Drinks and Sweetened Beverages: Nonalcoholic drinks with added sugar or artificial sweeteners, excluding milk products and beverages containing at least 50% natural fruit or vegetable juice.
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Energy Drinks: High-caffeine beverages specifically designed for physical or mental stimulation.
Concerns Over Choice and Access
While the bill has drawn support for its focus on nutrition, it has also faced criticism from community advocates. Opponents argue that the restrictions could penalize families living in “food deserts” where fresh produce is often more expensive and harder to find than shelf-stable processed items.
Local community leaders expressed concern that the policy may add a layer of uncertainty and stigma for families already struggling with record levels of food insecurity. Some advocates suggest that the priority should remain on ensuring residents have enough to eat, regardless of the specific item, particularly as grocery prices continue to fluctuate.
Next Steps
The bill is expected to move to the full Senate Committee on Family and Veterans’ Services. If it receives final approval from both the House and Senate, Governor Henry McMaster has signaled his intent to sign the measure into law. Once implemented, South Carolina retailers would be required to update their point-of-sale systems to block the prohibited items during SNAP transactions.
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