Wisconsin Bill Would Treat Organic Milk, Sharp Cheddar, Brown Eggs as "Junk Food"

[midnight]

The result is that the bulk of your FoodShare dollars can be spent on milk, but not organic milk; on eggs, but only on white eggs by the dozen, not on brown, free-range, or organic eggs; on 100 percent whole wheat bread, but not on gluten-free bread for those with Celiac disease; on slices of American cheese, but not sharp cheddar. FoodShare dollars can be spent on dry beans, but not if they come from a money-saving bulk bin at your local food coop. You can get juice boxes for your children, but only Juicy Juice brand juice boxes.

In order for the state Department of Health Services to implement changes to FoodShare purchasing guidelines, it would need to attain a federal waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). But when Minnesota tried to prohibit purchase of candy or soda in 2004, and New York City tried to ban purchase of certain sugary drinks in 2010, both waiver requests were denied. The USDA points out the lack of clear standards to define foods as healthy or unhealthy.

As Bill Approaches Vote, Public Input Needed

According to the Associated Press, the Assembly committee heard input from food companies, grocery stores, and food banks. They told Wisconsin lawmakers that restrictions "would shame recipients and burden businesses with enforcement." Democrats on the committee -- who voted against the measure -- said it "would stigmatize poor people who already have limited options in buying food."

In addition to Rep. Kaufert, AB 110's supporters include Representatives John Nygren (R-Marinette), Kathy Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls), Ed Brooks (R-Reedsburg), Jeff Stone (R-Greendale), Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc), Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay), Samantha Kerkman (R-Powers Lake), Scott Krug (R-Wisconsin Rapids), Pat Strachota (R-West Bend), Daniel LeMahieu (R-Cascade), Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin), Michael Schraa (R-Oshkosh), Alvin Ott (R-Forest Junction), Mike Endsley (R-Sheboygan), Jeffrey Mursau (R-Crivitz), and Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City). In the Senate, the bill's supporters include Senators Robert Cowles (R-Shawano), Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan), Frank Lasee (R-Casco), and Glenn Grothman (R-Fond du Lac).

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/05/06-4

[Ed Suspicious]

1. We don't want our tax dollars going to help non-corporate entities such as regular citizens

and small business owners. What are you, crazy?

[midnight]

2. The free market only works when their is no competition....

[snacker]

3. Here's the list...

http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/P4/P44578.pdf

This is unbelievable!

[midnight]

4. Thanks for posting this....

[mojowork_n]

5. I'd starve.

Last edited Thu May 9, 2013, 01:47 PM - Edit history (1)

• No bagels, pita bread or english muffins,
  
• no white rice or wild rice or rice mixes
  
• no tortillas or hard shell tacos,
  
• no canned peas, soup or chili,
  
• no tuna in a pouch or low sodium,
  
• no organic anything,
  
• no frozen fruit bars or popsicles,
  
• no frozen french fries or hash brown potatoes,
  
• no potatoes of any kind,
  
• no salsa,
  
• no salad bar items,
  
• no dried fruit or fruit/nut mixes,
  
• no spaghetti or pizza or lasagna sauce
  
• no shredded or pre-sliced cheese except American cheese (pre-sliced, only),
  
• no pickles,
  
• no pork and beans
  
• no sauerkraut,
  
• no ketchup,
  
• no black-eyed peas or pinto beans in a can,
  
• no beans, peas or lentils with added "seasoning or meat" or in bulk,
  
• no bread with double fiber or flaxseed.
  
• no anything that has the word "yogurt" or "organic" or "low-sodium" or "low-carb" on the label.
  

Petty and mean and punitive and really bad if you're not much of a cook.

[midnight]

6. I hate to think that they would want those in need to starve, but you might have a point there...