I work with government programs. Not news to people whove known me lately... But recently Ive had cause to reflect on the Food Stamp program. The program has value helping low income families buy food, but the program has gone from providing food to, apparently, providing convenience. Families with children get hundreds of dollars of assistance...some more than $1000 a month...and instead of buying roasts and chicken, frozen and canned veggies... they buy crap.Sodas and convenience foods can be purchased with food stamps. The USDA provides food stamps so that families can have food to eat...but in this age where nutritionists are also concerned about obesity, diabetes and other food related illnesses... families can use stamps to buy chips, sodas, and hot pockets and are not required to use them for nutritionally sound choices. Families can buy meats, vegies and other items to make well rounded meals. A recent ad campaign to encourage sound choices and touted how good nutrition can still be quick has disappeared. Yes, everyone needs a treat sometimes. BUT families, especially children, need well balanced choices on a regular basis. Parents need to learn to provide nutritious foods. People who want junk food can use THEIR money to buy it...but federal money should not be used that way. It is tax money, it should be used wisely, and for the purposes that food stamps were designed in the first place. Food stamps cant be used to buy toilet paper or napkins, they should not be used for junk food either. If it means someone needs to learn to cook, eat healthier and have less snack-type items, then so be it. Im not telling anyone what to eat, I am only saying that we need to be good stewards of the money put into this program and ensure it is used to do good and not harm to the health of families and children.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 02:27:43 +0000
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