South Carolina's New EBT 'Junk Food' Ban Sparks Confusion and Controversy

In a move set to reshape grocery shopping for thousands, Governor Henry McMaster has signed a sweeping executive order targeting "junk food" purchases made with public benefits.

The new policy restricts what can be bought with South Carolina EBT cards, taking aim at items officials deem to have low nutritional value.

The stated goal is to steer families using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, toward healthier food choices.

McMaster described the order as a "light-touch, common-sense approach" to ensure taxpayer dollars support nutritious meals, not unhealthy candy and sugary drinks.

But the policy's rollout immediately hit a uniquely Southern snag: the status of sweet tea.

While the governor suggested the state's official hospitality beverage would be exempt, the order's text explicitly includes it in the ban if it contains five or more grams of added sugar.

This contradiction highlights the complex and controversial nature of the new food stamp rules.

The policy follows a broader trend seen in states like Texas and Florida, which have already implemented similar restrictions on SNAP benefits.

However, South Carolina's version contains specific carve-outs, creating a nuanced set of regulations.

For instance, baking chocolate and certain sweetened protein bars will still be permitted purchases.

Energy drinks are only banned if they meet a specific minimum caffeine count, leaving some on the shelf and others off-limits.

McMaster defended the specifics, arguing that while residents are free to buy what they want with their own money, taxpayer funds require stricter oversight.

But not everyone agrees with that philosophy.

Advocacy groups like the SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center have fiercely pushed back against the policy.

Critics argue the rules are based on a flawed assumption that SNAP recipients are incapable of making sound decisions for their families without government intervention.

"I don't think that that we should be immediately focusing on people because they're using SNAP and assuming they don't know how to take care of themselves," said Sue Berkowitz, the group's policy director.

The debate cuts to a core question about the role of government in personal choice and public assistance.

For now, South Carolina families relying on SNAP benefits will need to navigate a new and potentially confusing landscape at the grocery store.

The long-term impact on health outcomes and family budgets in the Palmetto State remains to be seen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is banned under the new SC EBT junk food rule?

The order primarily targets foods with low nutritional value, including most candy, energy drinks with high caffeine content, and sweetened beverages with five or more grams of added sugar. However, there are specific exemptions, such as for baking chocolate and some protein bars.

Can I still buy sweet tea with food stamps in South Carolina?

It depends. The executive order explicitly states that sweetened beverages, including sweet tea, containing five grams or more of added sugars cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, despite initial confusion on the matter.

Why did Governor McMaster enact the SNAP junk food restrictions?

The governor's office stated the policy is a common-sense measure to ensure federal taxpayer dollars help families buy healthy, nutritious food rather than items like candy and sugary drinks, aiming to create healthier outcomes for residents.