COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina health officials are holding their first of four public meetings to hear what foods should be removed from the list of eligible items for people on food stamps.
The discussion is part of the Department of Health and Environmental Control's efforts to fight obesity in South Carolina. Gov. Nikki Haley and health officials want the federal government to let the state restrict food stamp purchases of unhealthy foods.
Thursday's meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Richland County Council chambers in Columbia. Future meetings are scheduled for March 28 in Florence, April 18 in Greenville and May 2 in North Charleston.
Currently, about 878,000 people in South Carolina receive about $1.4 billion in benefits each year through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
