Governor Henry McMaster has signed Executive Order 2025-30, instructing the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) to seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The waiver would prevent the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages.
“South Carolina is doing her part to Make America Healthy Again. This request is a light-touch, common-sense approach that ensures these federal taxpayer dollars are being used to help families purchase healthy, nutritious food – not unhealthy candy and sugary drinks,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “I thank President Trump and his Administration for providing us with the ability to enhance our SNAP program so we can create healthier outcomes for South Carolina families.”
The executive order defines the excluded items in detail. Candy includes products made primarily with sugar or other sweeteners combined with ingredients like chocolate or nuts but does not include protein bars, granola bars, baking ingredients such as chocolate chips or sprinkles, or bakery items like cakes and muffins. Energy drinks are defined as beverages containing at least 65 milligrams of caffeine per eight ounces and marketed for boosting energy but exclude coffee and tea-based drinks.
Soft drinks are classified as nonalcoholic carbonated beverages flavored or sweetened with sugar or other sweeteners. Sweetened beverages include any drink ready for consumption with five grams or more of added sugars but do not cover milk-based beverages, those made mostly from natural juice without added sugars, infant formula, sports drinks, carbonated water beverages, or medically necessary nutritional products.
DSS must submit its waiver request within 14 days. If USDA denies the request, DSS will be required to revise and resubmit until approval is obtained.
Recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey show that SNAP participants consume more sugary drinks than non-participants; children enrolled in SNAP consume 43% more sugary beverages compared to children from similar income backgrounds who are not enrolled in SNAP.
The initiative supports national efforts led by President Donald J. Trump to improve health outcomes. If granted by USDA, South Carolina would join other states that have implemented similar restrictions on SNAP purchases.
