Proposal To Stop Those On Food Stamps To Purchase Soda

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg took a lot of heat over his attempt to ban large, sugary sodas. But, Bloomberg and the mayors of 15 other U.S. cities are trying another approach to limit these drinks in an effort to fight obesity. The mayors are reviving an attempt to prohibit the purchase of soda and sugary drinks with food stamps. Mayor Bloomberg released a statement about the proposal, saying, “Why should we continue supporting unhealthy purchases in the false name of nutrition assistance?” Mayor Bloomberg and then-governor David Paterson attempted such a ban back in 2010, but the USDA denied their request to add sugary drinks to the list of items that cannot be purchased with food stamps. In this latest effort, Mayor Bloomberg also expressed concerns to the USDA about proposed cuts to food stamp funding, and suggested the agency provides recipients with more incentives to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. This effort may not get Mayor Bloomberg any more support than his proposed soda ban, but he is not giving up on his fight to prevent obesity.