Wisconsin passes bill banning poor from buying ketchup, pickles, potatoes and more

[riversedge]

45. seems there is an amendment to the bill-WI industry wants WI products....

wonder if honey and maple syrup are not permitted??




http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/14/wisconsin-food-stamps_n_7283654.html



...An earlier version of the food stamp bill restricted two-thirds of a SNAP recipients' purchases to food approved for a separate federal program that serves pregnant women and mothers with infant children. After Democrats and a number of food industry lobbyists complained, the list of allowable items was broadened to include Wisconsin food-industry specialties such as cranberry and dairy products.

Jorgensen noted that the amendment allowing "all types of dairy products" essentially defeats the healthy eating purpose of the bill, since it would let a food stamp recipient spend his or her monthly benefit entirely on Dippin' Dots, for instance.

"The 'ice cream of the future' is now on the list of what’s acceptable to pay for, but a bottle of ketchup is not," Jorgensen said.

A spokesman for the Midwest Food Processors Association, which has led industry opposition to the bill, said the groups remain totally opposed to the legislation.