The bill H. 4400 aims to establish the South Carolina Food Security Emergency Reserve Fund, which will be managed by the Department of Social Services. It mandates that the General Assembly allocate a minimum of twenty-five million dollars annually from the state general fund or designated recurring revenue to ensure the continuity of nutrition assistance in case of reductions in federal food programs. Additionally, if there is a reduction of ten percent or more in federal SNAP funding, the Department is required to activate emergency food security protocols, which include expanding eligibility for state-funded food assistance programs and disbursing up to ten million dollars from the reserve fund.

Furthermore, the bill expands the eligibility criteria for the SNAP Produce Bonus Program to include community grocers, mobile markets, and nonprofit food retail programs that provide fresh produce and adhere to food safety and price fairness standards. The Department of Social Services is also tasked with making recommendations for sustaining and expanding food access programs in its annual budget request and is encouraged to collaborate with philanthropic and private sector partners to seek long-term funding and innovative solutions. This act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
04/23/2025: 43-1-730
Latest Version: 43-1-730