Texas bill to ban food stamps for junk food (fast food, healthcare, Obama)

[Rocko20]

Some Texas residents may be forced to change their grocery lists if lawmakers pass a bill that would ban people from using food stamps to purchase junk food, including energy drinks.

Republican State Rep. Briscoe Cain said he filed the bill, titled HB 4364, in March as an effort to help combat diabetes and other health complications associated with consuming sugary drinks and snacks.

The bill would prohibit recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from buying energy drinks with more than 65 milligrams of caffeine per 8 fluid ounces and other sweetened and carbonated beverages.

Candy, potato and corn chips and cookies were also among the banned items listed in the bill.

https://www.foxbusiness.com/healthca...ary-drinks-ban

Let’s hope this bill passes, it’s the only real way to curb obesity among America’s underclass

[Quick Enough]

Originally Posted by Rocko20

https://www.foxbusiness.com/healthca...ary-drinks-ban

Let’s hope this bill passes, it’s the only real way to curb obesity among America’s underclass

About time!

[ohhwanderlust]

Good!

Why is this not the norm everywhere?? I mean, I get it, food lobbying, but what's the excuse?

[eddie gein]

Originally Posted by Rocko20

https://www.foxbusiness.com/healthca...ary-drinks-ban

Let’s hope this bill passes, it’s the only real way to curb obesity among America’s underclass

Boy, the stockholders and CEOs of candy, potato chip, corn chip, cookie and energy drink companies aren't going to like this.

Who does this guy think he is. Michelle Obama??

[SandraMoore66]

I think it's a great idea!

[uggabugga]

Originally Posted by ohhwanderlust

Good!

Why is this not the norm everywhere?? I mean, I get it, food lobbying, but what's the excuse?

another texas lawmaker tried, some years back, to at least eliminate soft drinks being purchased with food stamps. unsuccessfully.

there was a very good article on it at the time, i'll see if i can locate it.

[Mr.Retired]

Let me get this straight.
I ask for a handout. I buy junk food get fat and land in
the hospital with complications only to apply and get
approved for SSI disability?

Gluttony is a sin....................

[crone]

Back in the olden days, it was like that in Texas. No crap with snap. You could buy orange juice but not orange drinks. No chips, cookies, etc. Then somebody decided that poor kids need cookies and cokes, too. Then the fast food people started in with we should not deny poor people fast food.

IMO, if tax dollars are paying for the grocery bill, then the taxpayers get to decide what should be purchased. That goes for reduced and free lunches, too. If the taxpayers are picking up the tab, we get to say no junk food. No empty calories like french fries and fatty pizza.

[in_newengland]

I think it's a good idea too as long as it doesn't go too far. If people want junk like soda, chips, candy, and cookies, they can use their own money. The SNAP money would be used for actual food to make meals or for healthy snacks. No one's telling people they can't have a yogurt or some fruit or other snack food.

But I think a better way would be to educate people by tv and social media ads--educate everyone, because it's not just people on SNAP who eat like this. It's like banning the advertising of cigarettes. Stop the sales pitch. It's not just people on food stamps who need to wake up and start eating right.

[branDcalf]

I'm okay with this. On the other hand, I hate more regs. But, still, if one wants junk food tax payers shouldn't be on the hook for it.

When I was super poor, I bought chips three times a year as a treat for the kids. We still hardly eat that stuff.