Hot Topics: Big Week for Food Stamp Reform in New York

New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and New York State Governor David Patterson have announced together that they are seeking permission to prohibit food stamp participants from purchasing sugary beverages with their assistance money.  This would include the obvious soft drinks, but also sugary teas, sports drinks, and other flavored drinks.  “The ban would apply to any beverage that contains more than 10 calories per ounce, except for milk products, milk substitutes (like soy milk) and fruit juices with out any added sugars.”

This movement is to combat the obesity epidemic, which has greatly effected the low-income population.  Although some items are already banned from the food stamp program like alcohol, pet food, and tobacco products, sugary beverages would be the first item to be prohibited because of nutritional value.  Many are in support of the movement, and can see the health of those on the program improve.  However there are still many opposed who see this as limiting one’s freedom, and a type of punishment for low-income citizens.  The New York City Coalition Against Hunger group’s executive director, Joel Berg said "This is sending the message to low-income people that they are uniquely the only people in America who don't know how to take care of their family.  The problem isn't that they're making poor choices, the problem is that they can't afford nutritious food.” (ABC Action News, New York Seeks to Ban Sugary Drinks from Food Stamp Buys)

Great final comment from Joel because the second piece of food stamp reform from this week addresses the affordability problem.  New York Congressman Weiner agrees and stated “Americans will make healthier choices when they have the means to do so.”  So to supple the “means to do so” Weiner proposed a bill that would give a 50% discount on fresh fruits and vegetables to food stamp participants.  Hopefully this incentive would reduce excessive sugar and fat consumption while preventing future health care costs due to diet related medical conditions.   The grocer would not be short changed either, the state would pay the grocery stores/venders/deli owners the other 50% of the produce bill.  I can see this bill also financially helping farmers, buy creating an increasing sales.  One food stamp participant stated that she would still choose easy-to-make, packaged food items with her EBT card because she does not have the time, nor know how to cook with fresh fruits and vegetables. Valid point, but in my opinion it isn’t large enough to stop the bill from moving further.  However, the projected compensation to store owners, to replace the 50% discount, would be about 2.5 billion dollars... all of which would come from the taxpayers.  That might just have enough zeroes to delay it’s passing... is it worth it? (1010 Wins and NY Daily News)