Plan to Ban Use of Food Stamps Rejected

Federal officials have not accepted the proposal by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to bar New York City's food stamp users from purchasing soda and other sugary drinks.

The decision is a setback to the mayor's proposal to battle abysmal nutrition and obesity.

A two-year trial had been proposed by city and state officials to ascertain if the prohibition would cut obesity rates among people who purchase groceries with food stamps. This was thought to benefit 57 percent of adults in the city and 40 percent of the children in public schools battling weight issues. Certainly, restricting sodas and other drinks high on sugar will help check growing rates of obesity.

This proposal was not accepted because of the potential difficulties in implementing them. In place of this, awareness and education about healthy food choices will go a long way in controlling obesity.





Source: Medindia