The growing number of food stamp participants, specifically children, highlights the ever-growing challenge for the program, not just how do we feed millions of Americans, but how can we feed them in a healthy manner? Despite the benefits of the program, it contributes to the growing obesity epidemic in America, especially those who are living at the poverty line. A reasonable person would ask, why would you choose a healthy organic option like a bag of apples for $5 a pound, when I could easily get 5 items on the Dollar Menu at McDonald’s? In this competitive food industry and business, it is extremely easy to find access to fast food, compared to its healthy counterparts like going to the farmer’s market. Fast food is just an easy alternative. It costs less, feeds more, and it is so accessible. “When, calorie for calorie, fruits and vegetables cost 10 times as much as processed food, we create a system of nutritional injustice that is just as tragic and enduring as hunger itself.”
Another problem is that in addition to losing jobs, …show more content…
“They put fatty meats and cheeses, sugary sodas, and candy on the same basis as healthier foods, and remove the natural price barriers that would otherwise limit consumption of these products.” In my proposal, participating stores must supply at the “basic level” of healthy foods, this includes: grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, and even basic multiple vitamins. Meal patterns by SNAP beneficiaries should reflect food choices that are wise and healthy. Most Americans want to be healthy, but lack the resources and funds to support that kind of a lifestyle, especially when we live in a nation where it is more financially smart to buy items from McDonald’s than it is to buy a bag of organic
Another problem is that in addition to losing jobs, …show more content…
“They put fatty meats and cheeses, sugary sodas, and candy on the same basis as healthier foods, and remove the natural price barriers that would otherwise limit consumption of these products.” In my proposal, participating stores must supply at the “basic level” of healthy foods, this includes: grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, and even basic multiple vitamins. Meal patterns by SNAP beneficiaries should reflect food choices that are wise and healthy. Most Americans want to be healthy, but lack the resources and funds to support that kind of a lifestyle, especially when we live in a nation where it is more financially smart to buy items from McDonald’s than it is to buy a bag of organic