The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Food stamps are defined as, “A government-issued coupon that is sold at little cost or given to low-income persons and is redeemable for food” (Food Stamp). The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the name of the program that provides individuals with food stamps to be able to provide food for themselves or their families. “41,170,732 Americans are using the food stamp (SNAP) program” (Static Brain. 2016, September 27). Restrictions are put in place for certain items that may not be bought using food stamps. While not every person who is part of SNAP program abuses the system, some do. Solutions to this problem is everyone who is part of the system to participate in a training to instruct how to purchase food wisely, providing
Some items that may not be purchased with food stamps are, “Alcohol, cigarets, non-food items: foil, plastic bags, household supplies, pet food, medicine and more”(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)). SNAP may provide families with items such as, “Breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats and dairy products” (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)). Sugary food and drink items have been questioned whether they should be allowed to be purchased with the use of food stamps; the conclusion in this inquiry is that because items such as, “Soft drinks, candy, ice cream and bakery cakes are food items and are therefor eligible items. Energy drinks that have a nutrition facts label are eligible foods. Energy drinks that have a supplemental facts label are classified by the FDA as supplements, and are therefor not eligible” (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Another great solution to those who are receiving SNAP benefits is to attend a training to inform them how to purchase the most nutritious foods available to provide their families with good nutrient dense foods instead of purchasing potato chips, cookies and items that have little to no nutritional value. “Because junk food is cheaper than fruit and vegetables, poverty and obesity often go hand-in-hand. But, perplexingly, even after controlling for this association, some research suggests that the recipients of food stamps are slightly more likely to be obese” (Aldhous, P. 2013). Providing SNAP recipients with health education including healthy meal planning, shopping and cooking can help reduce obesity and health risks connected to the foods they are