POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 28, 2026Hillsborough

South Carolina and North Dakota implement SNAP restrictions on junk food purchases

South Carolina and North Dakota are implementing new restrictions on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that prohibit the use of benefits to purchase items such as soda, energy drinks, and candy. These state-level waivers are part of the federal 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) initiative, though similar plans in five other states were recently blocked by a federal court ruling.

SNAPfood assistancepublic healthfederal waiversnutrition policy
Read the full story at FOX 13 Tampa Bay

Why It Matters

recipients in affected states will no longer be able to use their food assistance benefits to purchase specific items categorized as junk food, impacting how they can spend their monthly grocery allotments.

Key Facts

  • South Carolina will implement SNAP junk-food restrictions on Aug. 31.
  • North Dakota will implement SNAP junk-food restrictions on Sept. 1.
  • The restrictions generally prohibit the purchase of soda, energy drinks, and candy using SNAP benefits.
  • U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson vacated USDA approval for similar pilot programs in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia on June 22.
  • The court ruled the USDA lacked the legal authority to approve these specific state waivers.
  • The MAHA initiative is supported by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • SNAP cost over $100 billion in fiscal year 2024.
  • The program serves over 42 million people with an average benefit of $190.59 per person per month.
  • States already implementing or planning restrictions include Indiana, Utah, Idaho, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Montana, Ohio, Virginia, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri, Hawaii, and Nevada.

Who's Mentioned

personAmy Berman Jackson“U.S. District Judge who vacated USDA approval for certain state waivers”personBrooke Rollins“Agriculture Secretary”locationNorth Dakota“State implementing SNAP restrictions”personRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“Health and Human Services Secretary”locationSouth Carolina“State implementing SNAP restrictions”