Changes to SC’s food stamps program will begin later than originally scheduled

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Changes to South Carolina’s food stamps program will now begin later than originally scheduled.

FILE – SNAP EBT information sign is displayed at a gas station in Riverwoods, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, file)

Thursday, August 27, the SC Department of Social Services announced the Healthy-Food-SC pilot program will begin November 1st rather than this coming Monday, August 31.

Officials say the program is in response to a waiver requested by Governor Henry McMaster to exclude candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages from the list of eligible foods purchasable with SNAP benefits.

The delay comes at the request of the USDA.