What I'd like to do to improve the food stamp program

[Tree-Hugger]

39. I am on food stamps

I would love to see many more programs out there dedicated to helping those on SNAP learn to cook healthy meals, choose healthy foods, etc.

I don't believe in restricting foods on SNAP. While I would love to see a worldwide change in food choices and I know processed foods are the devil, I think starting to restrict foods is a slippery slope. However, access to healthy foods is a must and it is something that should be a priority. It's one thing to want to teach us how to pick healthy food and cook it. It's a whole different beast when you factor in access. In my area, I have a host of supermarkets - from Aldi to Whole Foods - and a bunch of farm markets, some of which accept SNAP. If I was to drive less than am hour away to some of the poorest neighborhoods in North Philly, the story would change dramatically. There, you are faced with corner grocers, the ones who don't get a large variety of foods and who charge high prices. When faced with a rumbling belly, low blood sugar, and $0.75 on the SNAP card, that person will choose the $0.75 cent Snickers bar over the $1.40 unripe orange in that store.

There's definitely a lot to be said for increasing awareness and educating people about healthy food choices and meal prep. It just isn't black and white.

I applaud anyone willing to help people improve their health and the planet's health via food.

One more thing - we also have a lot of work to do to change public perception of the poor. I can just imagine the self-righteous GOP outcry over poor people getting cooking classes and eating farm veggies. These people who think we're all dining out on steak and lobster when all we deserve is expired ramen are a disease on this planet.