Fat cat politicians to determine what foods are healthy

We should all try to eat healthy. It is easier for some than others. We have seen the growth in organic foods, and many makers of prepackaged foods have removed fillers and dyes in favor of whole grains and natural flavors. But those who receive food stamps in Wisconsin are being told they may have to eat healthy. The Wisconsin Assembly is again considering forcing those who receive food stamps to purchase only healthy foods. There are many problems with this idea. Just who is to determine what constitutes a healthy food? We can agree that bananas are healthy, but what about red meat? Do we want the politicians to decide what foods are healthy? And often, so-called healthy foods are more expensive than junk food, so food stamps wouldn’t go as far. And what is the point of all this? It isn’t to save money, because the federal government funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The state only helps with administrative costs. And if the goal is to encourage people to eat healthy, then shouldn’t food stamps be able to be used to purchase organic foods? Under the current proposal, purchases of organic foods would be limited. If the goal is to ensure those receiving public benefits don’t waste our money on chips and sodas, then shouldn’t that apply to our state lawmakers as well? They take more of our tax dollars than those on food stamps. And most of them could stand to lose a few pounds anyway.