General Discussion

liberal N proud

(61,195 posts)

277. Soda should be a treat.

Fri Jan 8, 2016, 07:46 AM

Jan 2016

When I was a kid, we probably had 1 maybe 2 soda's in a week unless we were on vacation, then maybe you could get soda with dinner.

Should it be banned? NO, but it should be limited. If we really wanted to serve the people who need food stamps, we would provide a list of healthy foods that can be purchases sprinkled with a variety of items that can serve as treats.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
The WIC food packages provide supplemental foods designed to meet the special nutritional needs of low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, non-breastfeeding postpartum women, infants and children up to five years of age who are at nutritional risk. WIC food packages and nutrition education are the chief means by which WIC affects the dietary quality and habits of participants.

WIC has strict guidelines on what it covers and what is not covered. When participants purchase items using their WIC funds, their orders are scrutinized against a set list.

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/about-wic-wic-glance

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Should You Be Able to Buy Soda With Food Stamps? [View all] eridani Jan 2016 OP

Soda is poison in a can that has zero nutritional value. The point of SNAP is to feed people CBGLuthier Jan 2016 #1

And don't get me started on marijuana - thank goodness they banned that el_bryanto Jan 2016 #13

I'd rather buy your dope than your pop. roody Jan 2016 #46

Exactly! With universal health insurance now becoming more and more widespread, BlueCaliDem Jan 2016 #253

Allow it...but educate against it. Lizzie Poppet Jan 2016 #93

I'm all for that davidpdx Jan 2016 #200

Don't allow it...but educate against it. :) Hortensis Jan 2016 #229

So you should be able to buy a pot rbownie with your SNAP? anigbrowl Jan 2016 #198

"Hell, I would support banning the sale of soda period." This is more what I was responding to. nt el_bryanto Jan 2016 #236

I'm all for legalizing pot, but don't think people should be able to use SNAP benefits to pay for it MH1 Jan 2016 #279

Another one who wants to make the poor into role models for the rest of us profligates. WinkyDink Jan 2016 #285

I don't see anything wrong with a soft drink or two Art_from_Ark Jan 2016 #2

I agree. murielm99 Jan 2016 #4

We never had soda growing up except for ginger ale when we were sick cali Jan 2016 #15

Yep. Or 7-UP, after extreme sessions of vomiting or diarrhea hunter Jan 2016 #184

It was the same way when I was growing up. SheilaT Jan 2016 #125

Pop was different back then arikara Jan 2016 #132

Actually, it is metabolized the same way. jeff47 Jan 2016 #173

Thank you rjsquirrel Jan 2016 #210

The prices at my local stores for 2 litres are about a dollar ohnoyoudidnt Jan 2016 #243

I used the price for a 12-pack, divided by 6. jeff47 Jan 2016 #247

You know that's BS right? rjsquirrel Jan 2016 #209

Oh really arikara Jan 2016 #258

I'm 74. As a kid, a Coke was a rare treat. trof Jan 2016 #146

What has that got to do with the OP's topic? Gas, stamps, and eggs were cheaper 3/4 of a centiry ago WinkyDink Jan 2016 #289

Are you just looking for trouble? jeez trof Jan 2016 #291

What does "a different matter" mean, in the context of the OP's query? WinkyDink Jan 2016 #286

yes JI7 Jan 2016 #3

Should you be able to buy meat with food stamps? Downwinder Jan 2016 #5

Yes. nt pnwmom Jan 2016 #16

The Beef Council sure makes sure you can. underpants Jan 2016 #31

It is a food industry subsidy program. Downwinder Jan 2016 #35

Yes. Meat has nutritional value. roody Jan 2016 #47

That's just not true Major Nikon Jan 2016 #159

You better be careful with that. ladyVet Jan 2016 #137

Food-shaming food stamp recipients does nobody any good. Maedhros Jan 2016 #156

Exactly nt Mojorabbit Jan 2016 #255

exactly. Warren Stupidity Jan 2016 #218

Yes, definitely oberliner Jan 2016 #6

I think you should be able to buy beer and wine LuvNewcastle Jan 2016 #7

Poor people do not need to have their lives micromanaged. Marrah_G Jan 2016 #8

This Dorian Gray Jan 2016 #10

No one banned poor people from having soda, just not with SNAP dollars. Use your own money as you Pisces Jan 2016 #19

If they are allotted SNAP dollars, then that is "their own money" Orrex Jan 2016 #20

and changing the status of soda would be an end to that hence- KittyWampus Jan 2016 #36

The discussion is fine. Orrex Jan 2016 #45

when it comes to nutrition, public health and soda, scientists DO know better> KittyWampus Jan 2016 #83

Are those scientists here? In this discussion thread? Let them stand and be recognized! Orrex Jan 2016 #91

It is sad how many people who claim to support the working class FrodosPet Jan 2016 #130

Yep Dorian Gray Jan 2016 #275

Yeah Dorian Gray Jan 2016 #213

Red meat in excess jen63 Jan 2016 #94

It is Dorian Gray Jan 2016 #212

Too bad it is not food. roody Jan 2016 #48

Too bad that's not up to you to decide. Orrex Jan 2016 #52

In other words ... Straw Man Jan 2016 #201

Buy what you want, but I agree that SNAP dollars should be spent on nutritious food ( soda does not Pisces Jan 2016 #239

How about ice cream? Pop tarts? Candy? Straw Man Jan 2016 #261

this is an issue on public policy. The whole idea of feeding programs is to keep people CTyankee Jan 2016 #11

Sorry, that is just crap Marrah_G Jan 2016 #24

Marrah, You Beat Me! ProfessorGAC Jan 2016 #56

public health measures to help people is "crap"? CTyankee Jan 2016 #115

Helping people is fine. We should do more of it. ladyVet Jan 2016 #140

I agree. We should increase cash assistance and just get rid of SNAP. Let people CTyankee Jan 2016 #147

As a stamp user - it is not like it used to be. Food stamps jwirr Jan 2016 #172

This quote always comes to mind: etherealtruth Jan 2016 #143

then I assume you are, one of those above the rest of us who know more than others do CTyankee Jan 2016 #149

Was Mellville wrong? etherealtruth Jan 2016 #150

I have no idea what Melville's quote has to do with me...it is more to pump up your CTyankee Jan 2016 #153

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks" etherealtruth Jan 2016 #157

You've attempted this red herring several times here without success Orrex Jan 2016 #223

+1 DawgHouse Jan 2016 #152

Ha, I just posted jen63 Jan 2016 #162

:-), it was my sig line here for years .... etherealtruth Jan 2016 #163

This thread jen63 Jan 2016 #168

Bring back the government cheese! Major Nikon Jan 2016 #160

I would have to agree with you here. smirkymonkey Jan 2016 #176

It is also an issue of public policy when apples are MORE expensive than apple sauce nadinbrzezinski Jan 2016 #185

It's fascinating to me that you would do something you otherwise don't want Demit Jan 2016 #59

The food stamp program itself is micromanging. If is saying basically that recipients kelly1mm Jan 2016 #62

i agree with that. If the money is available it can just be given in cash benefits. CTyankee Jan 2016 #126

How is the absence of micromanagement working for them? lumberjack_jeff Jan 2016 #84

That's a silly question no matter how many times it's asked Orrex Jan 2016 #95

A better question would be why juice and not soda Major Nikon Jan 2016 #174

My problem has nothing to do with money. lumberjack_jeff Jan 2016 #189

I see the objective as far simpler Major Nikon Jan 2016 #245

Were that the case, it'd be called SDAP rather than SNAP. lumberjack_jeff Jan 2016 #251

If that's all there was to it the programs would be far different Major Nikon Jan 2016 #264

I don't think there's any inherent indignity in eating nutritious foods lumberjack_jeff Jan 2016 #272

The indignity is telling people what they can and can't consume Major Nikon Jan 2016 #273

True about most of the juices having lots of sugar davidpdx Jan 2016 #202

Even without added sweeteners, filtered juices are nutritionally empty Major Nikon Jan 2016 #246

Micromanaged. In the early 50s my mother-in-law would jwirr Jan 2016 #170

That's not the problem anigbrowl Jan 2016 #199

I don't care about soda. I strongly feel that every state should allow feminine hygiene products pnwmom Jan 2016 #9

I am in favor of this. It is common sense to me and I don't know why it isn't public CTyankee Jan 2016 #12

That is absolutely 100% correct Orrex Jan 2016 #18

shameful that this is the situation in 2016 restorefreedom Jan 2016 #22

I agree. The problem is that food stamps roody Jan 2016 #51

Also, donate pads & tampons to shelters tammywammy Jan 2016 #71

As should toothpaste and brushes. n/t lumberjack_jeff Jan 2016 #86

Yes, you are right. They should. Tampons and pads are a much more significant pnwmom Jan 2016 #89

I agree Bettie Jan 2016 #110

One thing people can do to help missingthebigdog Jan 2016 #128

Good idea! Thanks! pnwmom Jan 2016 #129

100% agree. qwlauren35 Jan 2016 #182

Here's an article about that. As another poster mentioned, toothbrushes and toothpaste pnwmom Jan 2016 #183

It would be truly judgmental qwlauren35 Jan 2016 #186

Yes! pnwmom Jan 2016 #188

The N in SNAP is for Nutrition. aikoaiko Jan 2016 #14

that is a good list restorefreedom Jan 2016 #21

I don't think soda is poison in moderate amounts but I see it in terms of "best use of CTyankee Jan 2016 #121

there certainly are bigger issues restorefreedom Jan 2016 #127

It's standing in for "I care more about the poor because the government shouldn't be CTyankee Jan 2016 #131

I see this as the difference between educating and advocating, and mandating uppityperson Jan 2016 #197

i completely agree that they need more money restorefreedom Jan 2016 #249

No Freddie Jan 2016 #211

Perhaps the PAWIC approved list has improved since then because it rocks. aikoaiko Jan 2016 #235

Good to know, thanks! Freddie Jan 2016 #271

Should you be able to buy soda if you claim a mortgage tax credit? Orrex Jan 2016 #17

I don't get that just because we think our limited resources should go to good food CTyankee Jan 2016 #27

Because you're singling out a type of aid given exclusively to the poor Orrex Jan 2016 #33

This message was self-deleted by its author Ed Suspicious Jan 2016 #38

I'm not buying the "patronizing' argument. CTyankee Jan 2016 #74

It's a dog whistle, and you don't hear it because you're not the target of it. Orrex Jan 2016 #88

Seriously, jen63 Jan 2016 #98

DU has always had a contingent strongly advocating for Dickensian modes of poverty Orrex Jan 2016 #102

Oh brother! jen63 Jan 2016 #105

If they can't be happy with their daily bowl of gruel, then to heck with them. Orrex Jan 2016 #113

Your sanctimonious bullshit is just nauseating. CTyankee Jan 2016 #101

Wait--you're a patronizing blowhard who can't defend her self-righteous preaching? Orrex Jan 2016 #108

Can you truly not see ... Straw Man Jan 2016 #203

Bit different however whatthehey Jan 2016 #41

It was one example of many Orrex Jan 2016 #44

"They simply reduce your tax burden, not give you money collected from other people's tax burdens." JonLeibowitz Jan 2016 #57

we're allowing nuance, contextual limitations and regulations on a federal program LanternWaste Jan 2016 #54

Yes (nt) bigwillq Jan 2016 #23

I would consider supporting it ONLY if the Ilsa Jan 2016 #25

It's a good idea! It would encourage health eating and of course help the farmers... CTyankee Jan 2016 #28

Yes. Iggo Jan 2016 #26

Every ban seems to only apply to poor people boobooday Jan 2016 #29

No, Food Stamps are not 'Charity'. They are given to assist citizens who need help KittyWampus Jan 2016 #30

I hear this argument all the time Bettie Jan 2016 #118

+1000!! jen63 Jan 2016 #134

how about we give more cash assistance in lieu of SNAP and how about every school CTyankee Jan 2016 #135

I can go with that Bettie Jan 2016 #139

Jesus Christ. ladyVet Jan 2016 #142

I know, right? Bettie Jan 2016 #187

God forbid Dorian Gray Jan 2016 #214

Soda pop, yes; H2O Man Jan 2016 #32

Yes. Stop trying to browbeat the poor for being poor. (nt) jeff47 Jan 2016 #34

keeping the 'nutrition' in a nutrition program isn't browbeating. KittyWampus Jan 2016 #37

When you're demanding they behave the way you want, it is. jeff47 Jan 2016 #43

Public health advocates and scientists all agree soda leads to type 2 diabetes. KittyWampus Jan 2016 #85

And that still doesn't change that you are browbeating them for being poor. jeff47 Jan 2016 #122

Yes, let's control the poor even further, because....MY TAXES!! Poverty is bad for the health, too. WinkyDink Jan 2016 #290

Taking The N Too Literally ProfessorGAC Jan 2016 #58

So let's take the N out. NobodyHere Jan 2016 #90

ok ProfessorGAC Jan 2016 #96

You're one step away from an "approved foods list" ... Straw Man Jan 2016 #205

It is when one wants to ban the poor from simple pleasures available to, say, YOU. WinkyDink Jan 2016 #287

Very slippery slope, where many foods are hamrful taken in excess bhikkhu Jan 2016 #39

I had the same question hfojvt Jan 2016 #68

Food stamps have the odor of paternalism exboyfil Jan 2016 #40

I think people on food stamps have the ability to choose for themselves. Tierra_y_Libertad Jan 2016 #42

The fact that there are 'food stamps' at all as opposed to unrestricted grants kind kelly1mm Jan 2016 #69

I agree. And, I believe that shouldn't be the case. Tierra_y_Libertad Jan 2016 #72

I agree with you. femmocrat Jan 2016 #76

No... TipTok Jan 2016 #49

Is that how YOU eat every meal? jen63 Jan 2016 #103

No, but I purchase my food with my salary... TipTok Jan 2016 #111

So? jen63 Jan 2016 #114

It's reasonable to have an allowable purchases list... TipTok Jan 2016 #116

No, it's really not. jen63 Jan 2016 #119

No one is suggesting that is the singular solution... TipTok Jan 2016 #120

What are your other common sense jen63 Jan 2016 #123

I'd love to be that check-out person Dorian Gray Jan 2016 #215

Awkward indeed.... TipTok Jan 2016 #220

The problem is Dorian Gray Jan 2016 #221

Are you suggesting that oversight of govt funds... TipTok Jan 2016 #237

Garbage Orrex Jan 2016 #248

Hardly... TipTok Jan 2016 #254

Again, garbage. Orrex Jan 2016 #256

I can walk and chew gum at the same time... TipTok Jan 2016 #257

Your bullshit analogy remains bullshit Orrex Jan 2016 #259

That is some amazing and logical analysis you have presented there... TipTok Jan 2016 #260

You have proven yourself unworthy greater effort Orrex Jan 2016 #262

You equate accountability and basic fiscal responsibility with 'beating on the poor'? TipTok Jan 2016 #266

Your notion of "accountability and basic fiscal responsiblity" equals beating on the poor. Orrex Jan 2016 #267

You just haven't adequately explained... TipTok Jan 2016 #268

Pssst.......Your right wing is showing. DLevine Jan 2016 #269

No Dorian Gray Jan 2016 #276

I see, poor people are just wayward children who DLevine Jan 2016 #222

No. cwydro Jan 2016 #50

On water exboyfil Jan 2016 #53

Good point! cwydro Jan 2016 #63

Most juices are full of sugar as well davidpdx Jan 2016 #204

Yeah Dorian Gray Jan 2016 #216

Craft Beer is certainly more nutritious than Coke, but it's not available under SNAP. leveymg Jan 2016 #55

Didn't The Egyptian Crafts People. . . ProfessorGAC Jan 2016 #60

Yes, I've heard that recently. Beer also has an advantage over water - less likely to kill you. leveymg Jan 2016 #66

Water has no nutritional value but can be bought with SNAP Orrex Jan 2016 #64

I people want to buy beverages with zero nutrional benefit, they can use their own funds. Agnosticsherbet Jan 2016 #61

Noooooooo Faux pas Jan 2016 #65

Yes - just as they should be able to purchase the occasional sweet. haele Jan 2016 #67

I was making the same point in my reply up thread about juices davidpdx Jan 2016 #206

Why do affluent people think it's their duty to tell impoverished people how to live? hunter Jan 2016 #70

^^Thread win Orrex Jan 2016 #80

Further, Conch Jan 2016 #92

Best response yet! eom fleur-de-lisa Jan 2016 #100

Thank you! jen63 Jan 2016 #109

+1 leftstreet Jan 2016 #124

+1 Starry Messenger Jan 2016 #274

Then the government will decide you can't buy meat or sugar or whatever. Sam_Fields Jan 2016 #73

Here's what would be next off the eligibility list davidpdx Jan 2016 #207

Is soda classified as food? Then the answer is yes. Gormy Cuss Jan 2016 #75

not again. . .I find all the rationalizations for micromanaging poor people coming from a niyad Jan 2016 #77

Yes. DefenseLawyer Jan 2016 #78

If your argument is a lie you lose... catnhatnh Jan 2016 #79

"...puritan bullshit wrapped in the pretty paper of "health concern"." Iggo Jan 2016 #99

Not a priority, though I know it is to congress. betterdemsonly Jan 2016 #81

This discussion again! I think it should be full cash grants and do away with the stigma My Good Babushka Jan 2016 #82

Would you deny a food stamp recipient a little ginger ale for an upset stomach? Vinca Jan 2016 #87

Why ban soda for poor people only. Why not ban it for the rich? Tierra_y_Libertad Jan 2016 #97

I'm actually on food stamps shenmue Jan 2016 #104

None of my business what people buy with their SNAP benefits Bettie Jan 2016 #106

Paternalism at its worst! markpkessinger Jan 2016 #107

Post removed Post removed Jan 2016 #112

OMG... CTyankee Jan 2016 #117

Should they be able to buy booze or cigs with food stamps? ErikJ Jan 2016 #133

I really wish people would stop telling poor people DLevine Jan 2016 #136

It's like walking into a fundie site when people here start talking about the poor. ladyVet Jan 2016 #144

There was an article all around DU a while back about how people on food stamps gollygee Jan 2016 #138

That's becasue when you have very little Bettie Jan 2016 #141

I live in a poor area. Warpy Jan 2016 #155

I like a soda every so often Skittles Jan 2016 #145

Empathy MissB Jan 2016 #181

The real question is why are SNAP benefits so low? madinmaryland Jan 2016 #148

^^^ best answer^^^ etherealtruth Jan 2016 #151

Because the S stands for Supplemental TexasBushwhacker Jan 2016 #161

You obviously did not read my post... madinmaryland Jan 2016 #164

Yeah, because infantilizing other people by making their choices for them works SO well Warpy Jan 2016 #154

Where do we draw the line? HassleCat Jan 2016 #158

That was my question jen63 Jan 2016 #166

As a long time user of food stamps I would like to see that jwirr Jan 2016 #165

You are right get the red out Jan 2016 #228

Yes, paternalism towards poor people is disgusting. Odin2005 Jan 2016 #167

Holy moly--where have you been? Orrex Jan 2016 #225

Busy with life. Odin2005 Jan 2016 #226

It should be nutritional food, similar to what you can get with WIC. I knew someone on food Luciferous Jan 2016 #169

That shouldn't be allowed. cpwm17 Jan 2016 #195

Conditional Compassion kentauros Jan 2016 #171

No, just meat scraps and broccoli stumps. That's it. nt ChisolmTrailDem Jan 2016 #175

And no breakfast, poor people don't need breakfast firebrand80 Jan 2016 #179

Yes, I think there is a point treestar Jan 2016 #177

Yes, what I see here is a demonstration by the Chronically Morally Outraged and CTyankee Jan 2016 #191

+1 lovemydog Jan 2016 #192

That's nonsense Orrex Jan 2016 #250

In a nutshell no. JonathanRackham Jan 2016 #178

Of course. Should you be able to buy candy, snacks, meat, processed foods? What about organic as uppityperson Jan 2016 #180

why wouldn't organic foods be fine re SNAP? CTyankee Jan 2016 #193

Because they cost more, are not cost effective. I don't think there should be uppityperson Jan 2016 #196

What about sugared cereal, cake, fruit flavored drinks with mega sugar , salty snacks really why Person 2713 Jan 2016 #190

Should people who are not on food stamps be able to buy soda? lovemydog Jan 2016 #194

I haven't bought soda in years and don't think anyone should, esp. not anyone merrily Jan 2016 #208

When I was a deputy buying soda with food stamps was a big fraud problem Lee-Lee Jan 2016 #217

If we went back to the Poor House system we could monitor and control these sorts of people Warren Stupidity Jan 2016 #219

Finally, a voice of reason! Orrex Jan 2016 #224

And if they're to die Bettie Jan 2016 #232

We could contract with the giant food corporations to develop a cheap, nutritious, dry food... hunter Jan 2016 #241

We could just recycle them. Warren Stupidity Jan 2016 #242

Soda Pop isn't healthy or nutrious. romanic Jan 2016 #227

what's wrong with just cash assistance and let folks figure out the budget that best suits CTyankee Jan 2016 #230

Technically, I think that cash assistance and SNAP Bettie Jan 2016 #233

But it can be reassuring when you work it all out. Of course, there can be curve balls CTyankee Jan 2016 #234

An emergency fund is a pipe dream luxury for much of the population Orrex Jan 2016 #244

You know, there is potential for abuse in just about everything notadmblnd Jan 2016 #231

everybody should be taught in school about nutrition. Just a straight up course to all students, CTyankee Jan 2016 #265

Many people on food stamps are so broke they can't afford much in the way of OregonBlue Jan 2016 #238

"Should You Be Able to Buy Soda With Food Stamps?" NCTraveler Jan 2016 #240

Yes, of course they should. TIME TO PANIC Jan 2016 #252

What's next, require them to wear pink underwear along with sackcloth and ashes? 47of74 Jan 2016 #263

Yes; however, Le Taz Hot Jan 2016 #270

Soda should be a treat. liberal N proud Jan 2016 #277

Why not let everyone make their own food choices? DLevine Jan 2016 #278

The WIC program does not ban anyone from buying specific food or non-food, it only pays for specific liberal N proud Jan 2016 #280

Let's ban sugar. For everyone, of course. DLevine Jan 2016 #281

Who said anything about banning anything? liberal N proud Jan 2016 #282

My point is that if soda, sugar, etc, are available for purchase, DLevine Jan 2016 #288

The poor SHOULD be limited in their choices. Oh, wait...... WinkyDink Jan 2016 #284

Qu'ils mangent de la brioche! Make the poor behave as we say, not as we do. WinkyDink Jan 2016 #283