kingston progressive: RESTRICT SUGAR DRINKS FROM SNAP

The sticky subject of sugary drinks and SNAP benefits has erupted in New York City again. Mike Bloomberg, joining the name to serve in the struggle against childhood obesity, insists on restricting sugary drinks from the federally funded SNAP program. aka: Food Stamps.

No surprize, the large soda companies are mobilizing against the measure.

Selling large quantities of crap soft drinks to our most vulnerable is a important source of profit.

The American Beverage Association is the heavy hitter for the opposition, but not the sole one. They are driven to defeat this profit killing plan of his. They possess a serious reason too. The folks who are on SNAP are more probably to buy these products compared to other economic groups, providing yet another case of class warfare in the marketplace.

You may ask; why would those who defend us in Washington, hesitate to act on our behalf when it comes to citizen's health and the best use of taxpayer dollars. Think about it. These are dollars coming from federally funded programs to aid those of us struggling. I see that. But Pepsi & Coke dont rank up quite as far on the nutrition scale as milk and juice do.
Truth is, the major beverage companies dropped allot of money on the congressional members in the New York City area, so they're putting pressure on the Mayor, City Council and even President Obama to halt this measure.

These members are actually claiming such a restriction places an additional brand to the clients who are already on the SNAP program. Im guessing people on the stay out line may witness a client being called out on her Ginger Ale bottle when paying the cashier. There are already restrictions to keep the sale of alcohol and other non-foods throughout the store, where would A&W Root Beer be any different?

One final thing; Bloomberg's proposal doesn't prohibit SNAP clients from buying soda with their own cash, just not with ours.