Should SNAP benefits exclude sodas and other sugary drinks?
I'm curious for people to weigh in on this topic. Currently the government spends $80BN on SNAP and over $2BN is used to purchase sodas and related drinks.
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DietID_TeamDietitians 8yr I've been waiting for confirmation on this stat. It's a huge amount of money and the sad part is that these soda companies are getting $2bn in revenue from the government. I see the point that creating more constraints on food stamps is problematic, but I think the restriction just on beverages, which don't provide any satiety, is ok. But to make this fair, we need to improve access to fresh and healthy food in lower income neighborhoods. -
MrsXtina 8yr I have a lot of thoughts on this topic, as I grew up as a child on food stamps, before there were so many other uses for the funds. The options were so limiting and the access to GOOD food was just not there. There definitely needs to be a change on the allocation of funds. Relocating for work ~6 years ago, I had moved to a lower income neighborhood and in driving past fast-food locations, "liquor stores" (the CA equivalent to a bodega), and pizza spots, signs would read, "EBT Accepted" and I had to wrap my head around that. Instead of promoting soda, pizza, burgers, and other types of non-nutritionally positive options, the opposite should be encouraged. In our Green Market, I do see signage around Food Stamps being accepted, which is great! We need more of that in the country. Let's start with sugary drinks and sodas! -
DietID_TeamDietitians 8yr Thanks for sharing @MrsXtina!
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darkchocolatepeanutbutter 8yr I don't think they should exclude soda in SNAP but I don't think $2 billion dollars should be used to purchase them. I agree with @MrsXtina that greenmarkets should accept EBT more frequently. People on SNAP should be able to experience buying food at a farmer's market like everyone else. -
sugardetoxme 8yr I read that SNAP benefits will soon be taken online, so let's see if that opens up more options too -
sugardetoxme 8yr Thanks for everyone's thoughts
Had a pretty incredible Shabbat on Friday.
Day 7/7: Cook Dinner More Often Level III
Farm.one in NYC perfect place to get rare and interesting herbs for chefs and adventurous home cooks
I just took a hydroponic farm tour at farm.one at the Institute of culinary education. Wow! Got to taste some really interesting herbs and greens and they are now delivering to New York City chefs ...
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DietID_TeamDietitians Interesting! Do they grow any of those crazy herbs that taste like wasabi or oysters?
Dad's tomatoes on fleek
My dad started his tomatoes from plants the size of his hand and now look at them!
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munchiemummy Get ready to do some canning! 😆
Ugly produce $.99/lb at Whole Foods
Thrilled to see you can get ugly produce at Whole Foods now. Limited but a start! #NoFoodWaste
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Udi This is great
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munchiemummy This is amazing. Now, the rest of the world!