"health experts " do not make the decisions elected politicians do .... fast food in not the only problem low nutrition garbage in stores as well
example the food stamp program is run by the department of agriculture .........
there are many many requests from individual states to limit what is Food stamp eligible .........they almost always are never addressed...
if a state wants to take off candy/ energy drinks/ soda and other low nutrient food off their hands are tied.....
it would be a REAL show of leadership if the food stamp program was run more like the WIC program ......
WIC limits items to nutritional ones only ...
for example low sugar cereals like cheerios ok..... but not things like trix/ fruit loops / captain crunch etc...
Juice on wic has to be above certain % of real juice not flavored water that passes as a juice cocktail etc.
the framework of a program is already there build from that and require limits on sodium or additives etc the food industry would "improve" to make the cut ASAP
Both are federal programs and simple implementing new standards should be easier to do then deciding what a PRIVATE business should and should not do.
I get where you're going here, but think there should be some allowance for other foods. I worked as grocery checker in a lower economic area for a short time in the early 80s. Back then it was obvious to onlookers whether someone was using cash, check or food stamps for groceries.
A woman with a roughly 8 year old daughter came through my checkstand. Among their purchases was an inexpensive, store made birthday cake. From the joy in the little girl's eyes and bounce in her step, it was clear this cake was a rare treat, and the celebration would be in her honor. I'm smiling now just remembering her delight.
After the woman and her child went on their way, the next customer grumbled that HER tax dollars shouldn't be wasted on frivolous groceries like cake. I looked at her and said, "So that little girl should celebrate her birthday with what, a bunch of broccoli? Poor children are entitled to some joy on their birthdays, too, don't you think?"
She said nothing. Just paid and left, but the next customer thanked me for reminding people that helping others should be done with an open hand and open heart.
That story aside, I saw a lot of people who bought junk food and spent food stamps without getting the most nutritional bang for their buck. Whether they didn't know how to cook, didn't have a sufficiently outfitted kitchen, didn't have time, or what, I couldn't say.
I will NEVER understand why women cannot purchase menstrual supplies with SNAP funds (food stamps).