South Carolina Department of Social Services

SC Approved to Implement Online Food Purchasing with SNAP Benefits Program Slated to Begin in late July

This week, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service announced approval of the SC Department of Social Services’ request to allow South Carolina SNAP recipients to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards for online purchases of eligible food items. July 31, 2020, is the anticipated date for this service going live in SC and, at this time, Walmart and Amazon are the only retailers authorized by USDA to implement online food purchasing in South Carolina.

SCDSS Recognizes June as Reunification Month

Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed June as National Reunification Month in recognition of the coordinated efforts that help families stay together. It is also a time the SC Department of Social Services celebrates families who overcome obstacles to provide a safe and loving home for their children and are able to reunify after their children have been placed in the child welfare system.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Returns to SC

The South Carolina Department of Social Services is pleased to announce the seasonal return of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). SFMNP is a seasonal USDA grant program to provide eligible seniors with fresh, nutritious, unprocessed fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets and to increase awareness and use of community markets.

Temporary Healthy Bucks SNAP Incentive Increase

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges for farmers markets, independent farmers, and some of South Carolina’s most vulnerable residents. In response to these challenges, the South Carolina Department of Social Services will be increasing the maximum Healthy Bucks SNAP incentive amount to $15.00 from May 15, 2020, to July 31, 2020.

Infant Surrendered Safely Under Safe Haven Act

Federal Grant Renewed to Continue SC’s Strides in Early Education

The SC Department of Social Services recently received positive news that a federal grant will be renewed to help the state continue expansion of early learning programs. The renewal grant provides $11 million per year, for up to three years, through the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families.

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