The state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will no longer be able to purchase items like candy, energy drinks, sodas and other sweetened beverages using SNAP benefits under a new pilot program that's set to launch on August 31.
Healthy Food SC is a two-year initiative by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) to encourage healthier eating by limiting the purchase of food and drinks that lack nutritional value. Diet and zero sugar soft drinks will not be included as part of the new restrictions.
SCDSS says all SNAP approved retailers will participate in the program. It's also mandatory for all participating households in the state.
More than 235,000 households representing nearly 482,000 South Carolinians currently utilize SNAP benefits. That amounts to a cost of more than $89.3 million.