Subcommittee hears opposition to restricting SNAP purchases and votes to carry bill over

The Child Welfare Subcommittee met to consider S.B. 777, a proposal that would define which foods and beverages are eligible for purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and would exclude candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and sweetened beverages.

Chairman Senator Mike Rickenbaugh presided over the panel as witnesses described the bill’s practical effects. Katie Detilio, senior legislative affairs associate for the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (REN), testified that “restricting how SNAP recipients can use their benefits will not achieve that goal,” saying such limits would complicate grocery shopping and place new burdens on families already struggling with food insecurity.

Krista Hinson, executive director of the South Carolina Retail Association, said the state does not unilaterally control SNAP policy and described implementation hurdles at the retail level. “Any modifications to those policies or lists of foods that are eligible do require approval from the federal government, the USDA,” she said, and added that retailers are already working to code “tens of thousands of UPC codes” under a currently approved waiver. Hinson warned that codifying detailed definitions in state law could conflict with future federal rules and place retailers at risk under USDA compliance guidance, which she described as a “two strike” policy that could threaten a retailer’s SNAP authorization.

Witnesses and members also noted the waiver timeline discussed in testimony: the state’s waiver restricting certain items was described by a witness as taking effect on 08/31/2026 and being a temporary demonstration program intended to run up to five years. Retailers said they need both federal guidance and a clear, implementable list of excluded items to avoid inconsistent application across stores.

After testimony, a motion to carry over S.B. 777 was moved and seconded. The chair called a voice vote; members answered “aye,” and the chair announced the motion to carry the bill over for later consideration.

Next steps: The subcommittee carried S.B. 777 over; no further action was taken during the session.