No Junk Food on Food Stamps?

Today’s Wisconsin State Journal discusses a proposed state bill preventing food stamp recipients from buying junk food with their benefits. The state representative who proposed the measure envisions a narrower list of approved foods, similar to the Women, Infants and Children  (WIC) program. The bill’s sponsor also suggested that additional benefits could be provided for recipients who agree to purchase “only or primarily” healthy foods.

The details of the plan are not yet specified, but I will say, given my limited experience in the past few days, that requiring food stamp recipients to buy only healthy food is unrealistic. Of the items I purchased, I’ve been most glad for the chocolate ($2.29) and instant coffee ($1.19). I could have bought three cans of vegetables with that money instead, but so far, I’m glad I didn’t. These little pleasures have made up for the lack of variety and interest in the rest of my weekly menu.  

Last night, at the end of a long day of work and child care, a handful of chocolate chips gave me the energy and motivation to accomplish a few more tasks before bed. The 1/4 cup of beans left over from dinner* just didn’t have the same motivational effect. Would the situation perhaps be similar for someone working hard at a second job, or studying late into the night for classes to earn a degree?  

Perhaps a percentage of food stamp benefits, say 10 or 15 percent, should be set aside for discretionary purchases and the rest required to be used for healthy food items. The logistics, however, could get so complicated that the change might not be worth the trouble. Who would determine and monitor which foods are “healthy” or “unhealthy,” and would the funding of these additional efforts be better spent on further direct aid or other antipoverty programs? 

But requiring 100% healthy food purchases just isn’t realistic. Anyone who has tried to stick to a restrictive diet for a long period of time may agree. An important part of eating is enjoying one’s food, and treats in moderation are valuable for all of us.

*which I saved in the fridge for other family members so it wouldn’t go to waste