So, Mayor Bloomberg and Gov. Patterson are pushing for a ban on purchasing soda with food stamps. "They are seeking permission from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the nation's food stamp program, to add sugary drinks to the list of prohibited goods for city residents receiving assistance. If approved, it would be the first time an item would be banned from the federal program based solely on nutritional value."
In 2004, the Agriculture Department denied Minnesota's plan to ban all junk food, including candy and soda, from their food stamp program citing that it could lead to embarrassment and confusion at the register.
I am no junk food apologist--soda is crap--but I do think that this ban is a great way for politicians to LOOK like they are doing something, when in fact, they're just beating up and fatties on food stamps, two discriminated groups for sure!
If politicians really wanted to DO SOMETHING they could push for the end of corn and soy subsidies that make soda so prevalent and "cheap." They could push for removing vending machines from schools and quality food in school cafeterias. They could help set up free wellness centers in low income areas complete with gym equipment, volunteer personal trainers and health/nutrition classes. Heck, that could be part of the healthcare reform and appear in ALL neighborhoods. But golly gee, I guess this ban will just make the rabid haters of the poor happier.
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