DSS to launch healthy food program

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) will launch a food project to help SNAP households make healthier food choices.

DSS is launching the Healthy Food SC project which will be a two-year initiative designed to help households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits make healthier food choices.

Officials say the goal of the project is to promote healthier food choices among SNAP participants by encouraging the purchase of more nutritious foods while reducing the purchase of items with limited nutritional value.

The program was approved by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to a waiver requested by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.

He issued an executive order in September 2025 directing the South Carolina Department of Social Services to submit the waiver.

Beginning August 31, 2026, South Carolina will update the definition of SNAP-eligible foods.

Officials say candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages will no longer be allowed for purchase with SNAP benefits.

Diet and zero sugar soft drinks will remain an allowable purchase with SNAP benefits.

DSS says all South Carolina SNAP approved retailers will participate in this project, and SNAP households in South Carolina will not have the option to opt out of these food restrictions.

In the month of June 2026, the federally funded benefit program provided SNAP benefits to 235,235 households representing 481,856 individuals for a total of $89,341,975.

For more information on the new program, visit the Healthy Food SC website.