Should Idaho Lawmakers Tell SNAP Recipients What To Eat?

Look, we get it - times are tough for a lot of people and you have to take what you can get when it comes to assistance. However, there are some things the government feels is unnecessary when it comes to that assistance.

Idaho Lawmakers Push To Prohibit Popular Items Being Purchased With SNAP

For those who don't know, SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that aids families with purchasing groceries. They're similar to food stamps but comes in the form of card you can swipe at the store.

Idaho lawmakers recently proposed a bill that would prohibit two items from being purchased with SNAP: candy and soda.

According to House Bill 109's Statement of Purpose, the bill would require the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare to "exclude candy and soda from SNAP-eligible foods."

The bill goes on to say that "food stamps are currently fueling the junk food epidemic" and that "taxpayers are funding a growing health crisis, including childhood obesity."

"Banning soda and candy from food stamps would prioritize health and nutrition while also reducing taxpayer’s out-of-control Medicaid costs. Make Idaho Healthy Again!"

It's easy to understand how this might upset some people receiving SNAP benefits but...

...should it?

Should Idaho Lawmakers Have Control Over What SNAP Recipients Eat?

We all know how unhealthy those two things can be but is this the right move? One might argue that it's not technically the recipient's money to begin with, it's the taxpayers.

If you received money to help you get back on your feet, are you using it to buy something that offers little to no nutritional value?

On the other hand, some might say that the government has no place in deciding what people should eat if they're given money to spend on groceries.

The bill is currently frozen at the moment so there's no telling if it will pass, only time will tell.

What do YOU think? Share your thoughts with us HERE.