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NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — ConsumerAugust 28, 2026Hillsborough County

South Carolina and North Dakota restrict SNAP benefit usage for junk food purchases

Photo: Fox 13 News (WTVT) — Consumer

South Carolina and North Dakota are implementing new restrictions on SNAP benefits that prohibit recipients from using taxpayer-funded assistance to purchase junk food. These bans are scheduled to take effect on August 31 in South Carolina and September 1 in North Dakota.

SnapFood AssistancePublic HealthWelfare Policy
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — Consumer

Why It Matters

The policy changes the types of food items that recipients in these two states can purchase using their government-provided benefits, effective late August and early September.

Key Facts

  • South Carolina will implement junk food purchase restrictions for SNAP recipients on August 31.
  • North Dakota will implement junk food purchase restrictions for SNAP recipients on September 1.
  • The policy prohibits the use of taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits for items categorized as junk food.
  • These states are joining other unnamed states that have previously enacted similar restrictions.

Who's Mentioned

PersonAmy Berman Jackson“U.S. District Judge who vacated USDA approval for certain state pilot programs”PersonBrooke Rollins“Agriculture Secretary”locationNorth Dakota“State implementing SNAP restrictions starting Sept. 1”PersonRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“Health and Human Services Secretary”locationSouth Carolina“State implementing SNAP restrictions starting Aug. 31”