The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a waiver requested by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster that will prevent the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages.
Governor McMaster expressed his gratitude for the decision. “Thank you to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for approving our light-touch, common-sense approach to strengthen the SNAP program by promoting healthier outcomes for South Carolinians,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “By encouraging families to purchase healthy, nutritious food – and not junk food – we ensure federal taxpayer dollars are used to their maximum benefit and keep South Carolina at the forefront of the effort to Make America Healthy Again.”
The governor first announced plans for the waiver in August and later issued an executive order instructing the South Carolina Department of Social Services to submit the request.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins commented on the broader national context. “President Trump has made it clear: we are restoring SNAP to its true purpose – nutrition. Under the MAHA initiative, we are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic diseases epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long,” said Secretary Rollins.“America’s governors are answering that call with courage and innovation, offering solutions that honor the generosity of the taxpayer while helping families live longer, healthier lives. With these new waivers, we are empowering states to lead, protecting our children from the dangers of highly-processed foods, and moving one step closer to the President’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.”
Recent data highlights health concerns in South Carolina. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that about 36% of adults in South Carolina are classified as obese. Additionally, a study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that 38% of children aged 10 to 17 in South Carolina were considered obese.
South Carolina joins other states with similar USDA-approved waivers aimed at improving public health through SNAP policy changes.
According to information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, individuals enrolled in SNAP consume more sugary drinks than those who do not receive benefits; specifically, children on SNAP consume 43% more sugary beverages compared with peers from similar income backgrounds.
A copy of South Carolina’s submitted waiver is available online.