The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), administered by the USDA, helps low-income individuals and families put food on the table. It is commonly and historically known as the Food Stamp Program. The new name was adopted following enactment of the 2008 Farm Bill, which brought many new changes including expanded coverage and funding to promote nutrition.
Currently, close to one in eight Americans are enrolled in this program. In addition to food items for household use, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase seeds and plants that produce food. Benefits cannot be used for nonfood items, alcohol, or tobacco.
In an attempt to help improve eating habits and combat the obesity epidemic, SNAP has created incentives for the purchase of nutritious foods. A number of nonprofit groups are participating in this effort to offer such incentives at the point-of-sale.
One of these groups is the Wholesome Wave Foundation, whose mission is to make locally grown, sustainable foods available to all communities. Their “Double Value Coupon Program” doubles the value of food stamps used at participating farmers’ markets. This program increases access to affordable, healthy food in low-income areas that need it most. It also supports local farming and reduces “food miles,” which benefits the environment.
Perhaps the most common argument against the use of food assistance programs to promote healthful eating has been that needy people should not have their food choices restricted to certain products. However, this program does not include any restrictions. Its goal is to empower individuals to make healthier choices, not to limit their choices.
According to president and CEO of Wholesome Wave, Michel Nischan, “We’re not taking away your benefits because you spend them on Twinkies, but if you decide you want to spend it on fresh tomatoes, you’ll get double your money.”
Sources:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
I think this is great and should be replicated on a bigger scale. If people choose from yes, healthier foods defined by the program they could get 20% more for putting quality on the table instead of more toxic, obesigenic foods that then cause untold costs in disease care. It is no different than telling Wall Street that if we are going to bail them out of their difficulties they cannot go to Las Vegas on the public dollar.