SNAP food choices should work like WIC

Health
,
1

SNAP benefits should work similar to WIC. Not all food items should be covered. SNAP should be providing healthy food options.

Example:

  1. Things like cookies, chips, candy and soda should not be covered - an easy start is if it’s taxable in California, SNAP shouldn’t cover.
  2. WIC allows certain cereals that meet a health standard, SNAP should limit the ability to buy cereals that don’t meet a similar standard.
  3. Basic cooking ingredients (culturally diverse) are allowed - think baking isle.
  4. Food basics are allowed - fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs.
  5. Meats - expensive cuts per pound should not be allowed.
  6. Dairy - sugary dairy treats that don’t meet health standards should not be allowed.
  7. Like WIC frozen juice concentrate not bottled.
4 Likes
2

I worked for WIC and this subject came up all the time. State’s that have tried to restrict SNAP to healthy foods, are quickly inundated by candy and soda lobbyists who pressure their legislators to stop this plan. I hope they address this nationwide. On the other hand, there is nothing as sad as seeing someone buy a bunch of T-bones and lobsters with their SNAP. (that person was caught selling to a restaurant and arrested forgunately.)

3

I would like to say, WIC also should provide certain meat options, such as steaks. Heres why, wic only provides fruit and vegetables to full time breastfeeding moms. We need and extreme amount of protein to make enough milk. Instead we only get processed cereals that are high in sugars and thats it. While yes i agree snap should limit junk foods and high processed foods, I see No issues with buying steaks and chicken due to us breastfeeding mamas that are fully providing for our babies. If Wic can provide toxic formulas, they can provide is with quality meats. Fresh fruits and veggies are not going to keep our supply at the levels we need them.