South Carolina may soon join a growing list of states that no longer allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be used for candy, energy drinks and sugary drinks in convenience-stores, grocery stores and other locations.
Gov. Henry McMaster signed an executive order on Thursday requesting a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Twelve states—Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska and Utah—have already received USDA approval to ban SNAP purchases of items such as soda and candy.
South Carolina’s proposed ban includes energy drinks, candy bars and beverages containing five grams or more of added sugar. Sports drinks will still be eligible for SNAP purchases. Juices remain allowed as long as they consist of at least 50% natural fruit or vegetable juice and contain no added sweeteners.
In South Carolina, candy is defined as “a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients in the form of bars, drops, or pieces.”
The state’s push for a sugar ban aligns with the Trump administration’s health initiative regarding the use of SNAP funds.
Since President Trump began his second term, SNAP has faced increased scrutiny in Washington. The federal budget bill, titled the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, was signed into law on July 4 and outlines $186 billion in cuts through 2034.
Starting in fiscal year 2028, some states may need to contribute to SNAP funding based on the accuracy of their benefit administration. States with payment error rates of 6%or higher will be required to pay a portion of SNAP costs. According to the Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, which oversees the program, the national payment error rate for fiscal year 2024 stands at 10.93%.
A Brookings Institution study found that 44 states fail to meet the 6% error rate threshold. Half of all states and the District of Columbia reported error rates of 10% or higher. South Carolina’s error rate in 2024 was 9.25%, meaning it would have to contribute 10% of SNAP costs under the new rule—an estimated $136 million.
This article first appeared in CSP sister publicationSupermarket News.
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