The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) is postponing the launch of Healthy Food SC at the request of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Under the program, originally set to begin Aug. 31, 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. The new launch date is Nov. 1.
A copy of the directive from the USDA can be found here.
Healthy Food SC is a two year initiative 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.