This.
Healthy things only, with EBT/Snap/ect. Im barely getting by, buying my bag of cheese and they have nothing but comes and chips, frozen tv dinners. Then they buy 2 packs of cigarettes.
This would help our diabetes crisis for sure!
I appreciate the focus on encouraging health, but I disagree with the idea of restricting EBT purchases based on a subjective label like âjunk food.â Limiting choices for people who rely on this support is not the answer and undermines individual autonomy. It suggests that just because someone needs temporary assistance, they should lose the right to decide what they eat. People use EBT for different reasons, from job loss to supporting children. Imposing such restrictions comes across as punitive rather than supportive.
Rather than restricting purchases, a more constructive approach would be to expand access to affordable, healthy options in communities where theyâre scarce. For example, incentivizing grocery stores to stock more fresh produce, funding nutrition education programs, or providing discounts for healthier items would all be positive ways to support wellness.
Itâs important to remember that healthy eating is about education, availability, and choice, not about forcing restrictions. Letâs respect the dignity of people on EBT by trusting them to make their own choices, just as anyone else does. Empowering people instead of limiting them will lead to better health outcomes in the long run.
2 Likes
Two packs of cigarettes is wrong. We should be encouraging those on welfare to not blow whatever cash they have on hand on smokes. More gum and patches for everybody!
While I understand that people may have differing views on government assistance, suggesting we ban EBT overlooks the very real and often temporary challenges people face. EBT is not a luxuryâitâs a lifeline for millions of Americans who may be experiencing difficult circumstances, from job loss and health issues to single parenthood. This support is often what helps people get back on their feet and stabilize their lives.
Itâs also worth noting that the majority of people who receive EBT benefits are families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Banning EBT would only serve to increase hunger and hardship for those who need a little help to get by. Instead of eliminating EBT, we should focus on how we can improve the program to better serve those who rely on it.
Empathy and understanding of the struggles others face go a long way. Itâs important to remember that EBT helps people get through tough times with dignity, and many who use it are working hard to improve their situations. Banning it would be counterproductive and harmful to our communities.
Besides, I happen to be on EBT myself.
I do not say this from a position of moral superiority or indignation. My family received various forms of public assistance as I was growing up.
The entire SNAP, which includes EBT is not only expensive for taxpayers, it props up a corrupt food system and is demeaning in a very real way to recipients. It is prone to fraud and abuses, and does not take into consideration other basic necessities like feminine health products, toothpaste or health supplements.
It is onerous to get on, and the very nature of it discourages individuals from getting off of it.
We can do better than this system. Abolish it.
1 Like
WIC is also a highly flawed system. Only certain brands of the approved food types can be purchased with it. You know which brands those are? The most expensive ones that working families canât afford. You know why? Rich lobbyists and a bloated farm subsidy program.
Diabetes, heart disease and other life style diseases are near epidemic levels in the U.S. Chronic diseases are weighing down our health care system. I had the opportunity to listen to a talk on the subject of chronic disease by a Sr. Vice President of Kaiser Permanente. The ratio may be off by a few percent, but the truth is that 80% of health care costs are the result of chronic disease by 20% of the population, It is not end-of-life issues that are the great cost burden.
The government has no right enabling bad eating behavior, and thereby contributing to chronic diseases.
Bar codes are the secret to restricting bad choices by those who need guard rails in their lives. It is NOT their money. The amount of money that should be authorized for EBT food purchases is a different topic than what should be authorized for purchase. The 2 go hand in hand so I wonder what we are getting from the Dept. of Agriculture bureaucracy that EBT is insufficient to purchase healthy food choices.
I agree that SNAP could benefit from improvements and reforms to make it more effective and inclusive. However, I believe that abolishing it entirely would create more harm than good. SNAP and EBT provide essential support to millions of individuals and families facing difficult times, whether due to economic shifts, health crises, or unexpected life events. The programâs purpose is not to create dependency but to provide a safety net when itâs needed most.
Certainly, there are ways we could strengthen the system to address issues like fraud, expand eligible items to include necessities like health products, and make the process less complicated. Reforming the program would help address these concerns without removing critical support for those who rely on it.
Rather than removing this lifeline, why not focus on constructive improvements that provide dignity and respect while helping people transition to financial independence? Programs like SNAP can be a positive tool when thoughtfully implemented, ensuring that Americans donât go hungry and can support their families through challenging times.
1 Like
People on EBT which are usually poor are the largest consumers of soda. 1- 12.0z soda has 4 tsp of sugar so not surprising this population have high Obesity rates, as well as type 2 Diabetes. Would love to be able meet with the Big Soda companies and discuss a gradual reduction in the amount of sugar in each soda. A percentage reduction per year.
1 Like
This is the most imperative health policy there could be, nationwide. I work at a Dollar General and came here to make this thread.
No, junk food is not actually cheap. Whatâs actually happening is morbidly obese people are making their entire diet absurdly overpriced Pepsi/Coke products and snack cakes which are pure seed oil grease and fluff. 400 pound women will come up to the register with a buggy full of six 12pack Mountain Dews, usually having kids with them. Saw this happen the other day with the most beautiful children that werenât yet obese, but knew they will be soon. If our government will put this policy in place it will solve the majority of the obesity problem in a month, or at least will incentivize the obese to get a job if they want their snacks and candy. No-brainer.
1 Like
I agree that promoting healthier eating habits is an important goal. However, restricting food choices on EBT to prevent âbad eating behaviorâ raises some complex issues around personal freedom, access, and dignity.
While barcodes could theoretically filter certain foods, the concept of âbadâ versus âgoodâ choices isnât always clear-cut. Foods deemed âunhealthyâ in one context may still provide essential calories or nutrients to people with limited access or cooking facilities. Many EBT recipients live in âfood desertsâ where fresh, affordable options are scarce, meaning restrictions could inadvertently limit their ability to get sufficient food.
A more positive solution would be to ensure that healthy foods are both affordable and accessible to everyone. Programs like subsidies for fresh produce, partnerships with local markets, and food education initiatives could support healthier choices without limiting freedom or stigmatizing those on assistance. For EBT users, giving them the dignity to make their own choices, along with education and access, would likely yield better health outcomes than enforcing restrictions.
We all share the goal of a healthier society, but itâs essential to address these issues thoughtfully so that we empower people rather than penalize them.
1 Like
You bring up the issue of barcodes. How about if those barcodes were used to reinforce positive choices?
I agree that we might not all agree with what constitutes junk food (I love chocolate chips - just a small bit! - on top of my Greek vanilla yogurt). If a monthly review of the purchases showed they were primarily for what would be considered âhealthyâ food â fresh fruits and veggies, canned fruit, milk, eggs, butter â then the stipend increases by 10%. The idea needs a lot more work, but I believe a system such as this would move people toward healthier food choices and a healthier life.
first, one would need to made sure that what is labeled as âhealthyâ by the government⌠is indeed promoting health.
which is regrettably not the case at the moment. the âfood pyramidâ is very heavy on carbs, but stigmatizes meat. which is no good idea, as far as I am aware.
Actually, quite a bit worse â a 12 ounce soda has around 9-10 teaspoons of sugar! Looked into it when doing keto.
It is death in a bottle.
Maybe people should be taught how to eat healthier?
I think the issue with people ( not just on EBT) eating unhealthy is that they dont know any other way.
Start with revamping school lunches and bringing cooking and nutrition classes to the school curriculum.
Make nutrition education a part of the EBT program along with cooking/recipe ideas and better shopping tips.
Dont just out right ban something from the people without first educating them about a better way.
2 Likes
Or⌠allow what ever foods they want, but if it falls under a junk food category they have to pay the taxes on it out of pocket. Deter but donât deny.
Thatâs clearly subjective, isnât it?