Republicans in Iowa are introducing legislation to discourage those most in need from applying for food aid.
Axios reported:
Part of the bill recommends limiting SNAP food purchases to only those on the state’s approved WIC list.
Proposed Limits:
No white grains — people can only buy 100% whole wheat bread, brown rice, and 100% whole wheat pasta.
No baked beans, refried beans or chilli beans. You can buy black beans, red beans and pinto beans.
No fresh meat. You can only buy canned products such as canned tuna and canned salmon.
No sliced, diced, or crushed cheese. No American cheese.
The proposed law also attacks state Medicaid recipients.
The WIC list is for pregnant and postpartum mothers, infants and children. This list is designed to promote healthy eating. It is not intended to be weaponized against the state’s low-income residents to discourage those most in need from applying for her SNAP benefits.
The average SNAP benefit is an estimated $155 per month in Iowa.that is not enough to provide individuals with healthy meals at the country’s current food prices. We will increase our share of SNAP funds to make food more accessible.
While I am a strong proponent of healthy eating, what Iowa Republicans are proposing has nothing to do with the health and wellbeing of vulnerable people.
It’s all about deterring hungry people who can’t feed themselves for a month on the state’s current SNAP benefits from asking for help.
Jason is the editor-in-chief. He is also a White House press pool and a congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a BA in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy with a specialization in the social reform movement.
Awards and Professional Membership
Member of the Association of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association
