Pop and candy would be eliminated from the list of items that can be purchased through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in South Dakota. South Dakota would request a federal waiver to redirect benefits toward milk, protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, and other wholesome foods.
Remove pop and candy from SNAP-eligible purchases in South Dakota and seek a federal waiver to redirect benefits toward healthier foods.
Occurrences
Evidence
HB 1056 requires the Department of Social Services to submit a federal waiver request by Sept. 1, 2026 to exclude soft drinks from SNAP, and to keep submitting the request annually if USDA does not approve it.
USDA's SNAP Food Restriction Waivers page was updated May 28, 2026 and lists approved waiver states; South Dakota is not included in the approved-state list shown on the page.
Assessments
South Dakota enacted HB 1056 in 2026 requiring the Department of Social Services to request a USDA waiver to exclude soft drinks from SNAP, which partially advances the promise. However, the enacted measure does not cover candy, the waiver request was only mandated for a future deadline, and USDA's approved waiver list still did not include South Dakota. Because the central promised result, removing both pop and candy from SNAP-eligible purchases in South Dakota through federal waiver approval, has not been delivered, this is only partial credit. Candidate credit is limited because the concrete action shown is state legislation rather than a completed federal action by Johnson, though it occurred while he remained in federal office.