Real Clear Health – Conservatives Should Stand for Consumer Freedom – Not Restrictions
Amid an ongoing budget battle, the normal legislative process in the House has grounded to a halt. The political reality could delay the reauthorization of the nation’s agriculture and hunger programs in the Farm Bill which is reauthorized every five years. While the Bill is supposed to ensure farmers are equipped with the best resources to feed Americans and that American food programs are funded properly, this year, however, some want to include a misguided prohibition on certain purchases at the grocery store.
Last year, a band of congressional members introduced the Healthy SNAP Act – legislation to restrict consumer freedom in the grocery store. Specifically, the proposal would prohibit recipients from purchasing certain food items such as soft drinks and snacks. Government shouldn’t be the food police. Americans who need help with groceries deserve to have choices at the grocery store. We should trust their judgement, not demonize it.
The bill also fails to consider the fact that Americans get their calories from various sources, not just in one aisle of the grocery store. Sure, some people like to drink soda, but calories can also come from food items like nuts (which are high in fat,) fruits (which have high sugar content,) and frozen meat (which may be high in sodium). Promoting healthier lifestyles is certainly commendable, but this legislation would ultimately restrict consumer choice and pins the blame for America’s obesity problem on a few items among the thousands in the grocery store instead of the entire diet.