South Carolina, North Dakota to Ban SNAP Purchases of Junk Food
South Carolina and North Dakota are implementing bans on using SNAP benefits to purchase junk food, effective late August and early September respectively, and are among other states with similar restrictions.
Seattle Tacoma, WA, August 28, 2026 —
South Carolina and North Dakota are set to implement new restrictions on what can be purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Both states are introducing bans on the use of SNAP funds for the purchase of what is defined as junk food.
The ban in South Carolina is scheduled to take effect in late August. In North Dakota, the implementation date for the similar restriction is slated for early September.
These measures place South Carolina and North Dakota among a growing number of states that are placing limitations on SNAP purchases. The specific criteria defining what constitutes “junk food” in these bans were not detailed in the provided information. Similarly, the exact nature of the restrictions in other states with comparable policies was not specified.
The trend of states seeking to guide SNAP recipients toward healthier food options has been observed across the nation. The details regarding the implementation and enforcement of these new regulations in South Carolina and North Dakota are expected to become clearer as their respective effective dates approach.
Story summarized from the original created by Mark.Richardson@fox.com (Mark Richardson) on www.fox13seattle.com, see more information here.
