Speak Out: Should Food Stamp Purchases Be Limited To Healthy Items?

Gov. Nikki Haley and representatives from three state agencies have joined forces to fight obesity in South Carolina.

To do this, the group announced a plan last week to seek a waiver from the federal government to change what can be purchased under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps program.

State leaders want to limit food stamp purchases to healthy items, according to a report from The State (subscription required).

Public meetings will be held to get ideas from those involved in the fight against obesity, food stamp users, food manufacturers and retailers to help determine what items should and shouldn't be purchased, the report said.  

Recent statistics show more than 800,000 South Carolinians use food stamps, according to the report. 

Read more here. 

What do you think? Is limiting food stamp purchases a good idea to help recipients live healthier lives or government intrusion?

Tell us in the comments!