COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) - South Carolina is looking remove candy, soda, sweetened beverages, and energy drinks from the list of foods eligible to be purchased with SNAP benefits.

Governor Henry McMaster signed an executive order Wednesday directing the state's Department of Social Services to request a waiver from the federal government to exclude the sugary items from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

"South Carolina is doing her part to Make America Healthy Again," said McMaster in a statement. "This request is a light-touch, common-sense approach that ensures these federal taxpayer dollars are being used to help families purchase healthy, nutritious food – not unhealthy candy and sugary drinks."

According to the executive order, candy is defined as a preparation of sugar,

See Full Page