South Carolina Implements New Restrictions on SNAP Purchases
South Carolina has implemented new restrictions on SNAP benefits, preventing recipients from purchasing most candy, soda, and energy drinks. This change, approved by the USDA, allows for the continued purchase of diet and zero-sugar soft drinks.
Lafayette, IN, November 2, 2026 — South Carolina has enacted new regulations concerning the purchase of certain food items using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The updated rules, which are now in effect, aim to restrict the purchase of specific food and beverage categories.
Under the new guidelines, SNAP recipients in South Carolina will be prevented from using their benefits to buy most types of candy, regular soda, and energy drinks. This policy change affects a range of sweetened products commonly found in grocery stores and convenience outlets.
The alterations to the SNAP purchasing options were made following approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA’s oversight is typical for state-level SNAP program administration and policy adjustments.
Despite the broad restrictions on sugary beverages and candy, the new regulations include specific exceptions. The policy change permits SNAP recipients to continue purchasing diet and zero-sugar soft drinks. These alternatives, which typically use artificial sweeteners, are not subject to the same purchasing limitations as their sugar-sweetened counterparts.
The specifics regarding the implementation date or any potential outreach or educational efforts for recipients were not provided in the summary. Further details on the exact scope of the candy and energy drink categories affected, and the nutritional criteria used for these restrictions, were also not detailed.
Story summarized from the original created by WRDW Staff, Gray News staff on www.wlfi.com, see more information here.
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