Sodaaaaa MmmmMmm NOT!

In the fight to stop obesity, a debate has been raised over the following question: Should soda be excluded from foods food stamp users can buy? The pro side argues that, yes, food stamp users should not be allowed to use their funds on soda. This article shares a fact that is stunning to me to read. Of the whopping $69 billion expected funds for benefits in 2011 a projected $4 billion will be used on soda. $4 billion?? That’s almost 6% of the funds distributed that will be spent on soda. This statistic is incredible. I can easily remember my elementary school science class where I learned that a tooth will dissolve if left in a glass of soda for a week. So by the order of events, the government is providing meal tickets for families who need that kinds of assistance, they buy soda, the soda ruins their teeth, the family is force to put out more money to pay for dental work.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m 100% in favor of the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). I personally know multiple single mothers who receive aid through this program because they simply cannot afford to provide whole nutritious meals for their children.  I also know a few individuals who abuse this system. They use their food stamps for alcohol or sell them for less cash in return.

Regardless of these people, I think the funds should be continuously provided for families who need it, but with limits. It’s difficult for me to even comprehend why there are not more exclusions places on how these funds can be used. The program explains its goal so clearly in its title “Nutrition”. These funds are given to families who need it to help improve the nutrition of the children, thus making it absolutely necessary to place restrictions and exclusions of how and where food stamps can be used.