Food Stamps for Fast Food!? Now say it four x fast!

What are your thoughts on being able to use Food Stamps to purchase fast foods?  Think of the inherent problems this will compound.  America's poor, who are more likely to be plagued with poor nutrition and obesity issues than higher income groups, statistics show, are also more likely to get their meals from fast food restaurants.  It's a vicious cycle: Children who are raised in households in which they receive low-quality food are more likely to be poor themselves, in addition to suffering from diet-related diseases and struggling in school.



There's even evidence that high-calorie, low-nutrient-value diets (think sodas, french fries and low-quality proteins like hamburgers and chicken nuggets) contribute to aggressive risk-taking behavior.

Low income leads to unstable homes, unfortunate health outcomes and poor nutrition; unstable homes, unfortunate health outcomes and poor nutrition lead to lower incomes. And while we're at it, the circumstances of low income and poor nutrition are related to high debt (from health care bills) and poor success in school and criminal convictions.  And what portion of the population is more likely to be effected--African-Americans and Hispanics.

While most states allow food stamps to be used for soda, candy, ice cream and Doritos but not for hot prepared food meant to be eaten at the establishment where it's sold, a few states allow SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients to use their benefits for fast food. Arizona, parts of California and Michigan already let food stamp users buy ready-made food at fast food restaurants, including Subway, KFC, Jack in the Box, Burger King, Pizza Hut and El Pollo Loco.


The idea here is that many homeless SNAP recipients, as well as those with unstable living conditions don't have a place to prepare food. And, the theory goes, it's better to let  this portion of our population to  buy fried chicken and burger as opposed to candy bars and cold burritos from a convenience store.


What do you think?  Should more states allow the use of Food Stamps to purchase Fast Foods?


Yum! Brands, owner of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC, thinks it's a great idea, however, and is lobbying the state of Kentucky to join its fellow fast-food-accepting states and allow the use of SNAP benefits in its restaurants.




THOUGHTS???