COLUMBIA, S.C. — Changes to South Carolina’s food stamp program will begin later than originally planned.
The South Carolina Department of Social Services said the Healthy Food SC pilot program will now begin Nov. 1, instead of Aug. 31. The delay was requested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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The program stems from a waiver requested by Gov. Henry McMaster that would prevent SNAP benefits from being used to buy candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and certain sweetened beverages.
Diet and zero-sugar soft drinks will remain eligible, according to reports from WOLO.
The program is designed to encourage healthier food choices among SNAP recipients. All South Carolina SNAP households will participate, and benefit amounts and eligibility will not change.