Bill > S0589

This bill, called the "Make South Carolina Healthy Again Act", seeks to improve nutrition in two key areas: public school food and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For schools, the bill requires the State Board of Education to prohibit ultra-processed foods on school campuses during the school day, defining ultra-processed foods as those containing specific additives like certain food dyes and chemicals. For SNAP, the bill directs the Department of Social Services to request a federal waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prevent SNAP benefits from being used to purchase candy and soft drinks. The waiver request must include justifications related to public health, such as concerns about sugar consumption and diet-related diseases, and provide an implementation plan with education strategies and a mechanism to track the impact of these restrictions. If the waiver is approved, the department must implement the restrictions within six months and work with retailers to update point-of-sale systems to prevent purchasing restricted items. The bill also requires annual reporting to the General Assembly on the waiver's status, SNAP spending trends, implementation challenges, and recommendations for future nutrition policy. The legislation takes effect upon the Governor's approval.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0589&session=126&summary=B