SNAP Benefit Changes Delayed in Two States Over Legal Challenges
South Carolina and North Dakota had been preparing to implement new SNAP purchasing restrictions.
SNAP benefit restrictions on food purchases have been delayed in South Carolina and North Dakota due to a federal court ruling. The planned restrictions, aimed at limiting the purchase of unhealthy food and drinks, were set to begin in late August and early September. However, after a federal court struck down similar policies in other states, the USDA directed the states to postpone the changes until November 1.
The USDA's Office of General Counsel and the Department of Justice are reviewing the recent court order that vacated food-restriction waiver approvals in five other states. The USDA will publish a notice concerning South Carolina's waiver in the Federal Register at least 30 days before implementation, allowing the state to assess public comments before proceeding.
North Dakota officials also received a similar letter from the USDA, leading to the postponement of their restrictions by November 1. SNAP benefits are used by millions of low- and no-income households in the U.S. to help with grocery costs, and food-restriction waivers allow states to implement narrower rules by excluding additional products.
Examples of restricted items include sweetened beverages, certain energy drinks, and candy. The changes only affect the eligibility of SNAP benefits for those items; recipients can still purchase restricted products using other forms of payment.
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