Governor Henry McMaster has secured approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to exclude certain unhealthy items from being purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, along with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr., made the announcement Wednesday as part of President Trump's Make America Healthy Again initiative. The move bans the use of SNAP funds for candy, energy and soft drinks, and other sweetened beverages.
Governor McMaster praised the decision, stating the goal is to "strengthen the SNAP program by promoting healthier outcomes for South Carolinians" and ensure federal dollars purchase "healthy, nutritious food—and not junk food."
Governor McMaster submitted the waiver in late September. Other states receiving approval include Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, Virginia, and Tennessee.