NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsAugust 28, 2026Hillsborough
South Carolina and North Dakota restrict SNAP purchases of soda, energy drinks, and candy
South Carolina and North Dakota are implementing state-level waivers to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for specific non-nutritious items, including soda, energy drinks, and candy. These restrictions take effect on August 31 in South Carolina and September 1 in North Dakota, following similar actions in several other states under the federal Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy It Matters
recipients in participating states will no longer be able to use their food assistance benefits to purchase specific items like soda and candy, changing the scope of eligible grocery purchases for millions of households.
Key Facts
- South Carolina will begin restricting SNAP purchases of soda, energy drinks, and candy on Aug. 31.
- North Dakota will begin restricting SNAP purchases of soda, energy drinks, and candy on Sept. 1.
- States already implementing these waivers include Indiana, Utah, Idaho, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Arkansas.
- Montana, Ohio, and Virginia are scheduled to implement restrictions later this year.
- Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri, and Hawaii are scheduled to implement restrictions in 2027; Nevada is scheduled for 2028.
- A U.S. District Court judge vacated USDA approval for pilot programs in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia on June 22.
- The court ruled the USDA lacked federal authority to approve state requests to bar SNAP recipients from buying sugary foods and drinks.
- The SNAP program cost over $100 billion in fiscal year 2024.
- The average SNAP benefit is $190.59 per month per person.
- Over 42 million people receive SNAP benefits.
Who's Mentioned
personAmy Berman Jackson“U.S. District Judge who vacated USDA approval for certain state pilot programs”personBrooke Rollins“Agriculture Secretary endorsing the waivers”locationNorth Dakota“State implementing SNAP restrictions on Sept. 1”personRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“Health and Human Services Secretary endorsing the waivers”locationSouth Carolina“State implementing SNAP restrictions on Aug. 31”organizationU.S. Department of Agriculture“Federal agency overseeing SNAP and approving state waivers”