No candy. No chips. Texas bill would prevent SNAP recipients from using food stamps to buy junk food

[TexasTowelie]

A proposed Texas bill would ban residents from using food stamps to purchase junk food, including energy drinks and candy.

Republican state Rep. Briscoe Cain said the bill aims to limit the spread of diabetes and other health complications related to diet. The bill would also prohibit buying potato and corn chips, sweetened and carbonated drinks, and cookies with food stamps.

Sweetened beverages account for 9.3% of purchases made with federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report. Households that did not receive food stamps, by comparison, spent about 7.1% of their food budgets on sugary drinks.

The bill filed by Cain in the House Committee for Human Services in March would become effective this fall, if passed.

Read more: https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/nation/2019/05/05/texas-food-stamps-ban-junk-food-purchases/1113669001/

[True Blue American]

1. This is one

Republican bill I could back.

[Shell_Seas]

5. No snacks for kids, no Easter baskets, etc.

This doesn't mean they'll be getting healthier snacks, not unless SNAP funding goes up. As we all know healthier food choices are much more expensive.

[True Blue American]

6. My concern is for the health of

The people.

The basics are not more expensive. I can remember stretching meats to make healthy meals. My boys were very healthy. I know it can be done.

A package of beans cost a dollar or less. I grew up and spent my first years with a family stretching pennies. I know many people manage very well with food stamp money, but I also have seen the excesses. I hate the fact that working people even have to get food stamps to survive.

[Blues Heron]

8. why not respect your fellow citizens enough to let them make their own decisions?

Not the role of gov to dictate to its citizens, it should be the other way around.

[MFM008]

2. Really

I turn to ginger ale because my stomach gets upset alot.
I dont need some fat ass republicans telling me what to eat.
They dont GIVE you enough to have a say.
25 dollars a week approx.
Someone needs to tell them what to eat.

[Doreen]

3. I have a food card and would have no problems with that.

Not that I always succeed but most of the time I do not use my food card for junk food. I do feel it is my responsiblity to get food I need with it.

When you do not have much money making sure you have the basics is more important.

I would have a problem however if they included the purchase of sugar as I have some kick ass recipes for pies, brownies, butterballs, and such so if I need a sugar fix I can make it myself.

[Ohiogal]

4. I have a problem with this.

Seems to me, we’re headed for a slippery slope here.

This is so rich coming from Republicans who bleat over the heavy hand of government in our daily lives. But I guess if it involves controlling the poor folk, then it’s ok.

What’s next, telling people who receive aid they can’t have pets, because buying food for a pet is seen as irresponsible and frivolous?

When I was pregnant, I used to sip on Coca Cola sometimes because it calmed my nausea. My doctor suggested it.

There’s not that big of a difference between what people on food cards buy vs. the rest of the population. Leave them be. How about raising wages so more folks don’t need to use a food card in the first place?

[True Blue American]

7. That is the point of my posts.

No working person should have to depend on food stamps. They need a living wage.