US EditionUSDA Approves McMaster's Waiver to Exclude Candy, Unhealthy Drinks From SNAP
South Carolina's SNAP waiver restricts sugary and low-nutrition foods following data showing 38% of children and 36% of adults are obese, aiming for healthier food purchases.
- Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved South Carolina and five other states for a SNAP waiver excluding candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and sweetened beverages.
- With obesity statistics high in South Carolina, officials cited state and national health data showing 36% adult obesity and SNAP children consume 43% more sugary drinks, supporting the waiver.
- The approved waiver contains carveouts for baking chocolate and sweetened protein bars, and McMaster praised the change in a Dec. 10 statement thanking Trump and Rollins.
- By securing the waiver, South Carolina positions itself to access the Department of Health and Human Services' Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion fund, aiming to expand rural health services and pilot innovations.
- Aligned with a federal push, South Carolina's move follows a July trend of states submitting waivers that ban soft drinks and sweetened beverages, supported by officials citing health data.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Virginia removes 'sweetened beverages' from SNAP eligibility
RICHMOND, Va. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Virginia's waiver to remove "sweetened beverages" from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.Information from the state said the restriction includes "items commonly referred to as 'soda,' 'diet/zero soda,' 'pop,' 'soft drinks,' and 'energy drinks,'" or "any beverage that is made with carbonated water and that is flavored or sweetened with added sugar or art…
Virginia approved for waiver to remove 'sweetened beverages' from SNAP
RICHMOND, Va. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Virginia's waiver to remove "sweetened beverages" from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.Information from the state said the restriction includes "items commonly referred to as 'soda,' 'diet/zero soda,' 'pop,' 'soft drinks,' and 'energy drinks,'" or "any beverage that is made with carbonated water and that is flavored or sweetened with added sugar or art…
Feds approve South Carolina waiver to restrict candy, soda purchases with food stamps
The move follows a national push by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to “make America healthy again.” However, there are carveouts at the state level for specific sweets.
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