10 April 2012 ~ SNAP vs. WIC

While talking about policies and the overall corresponding cycle in which policies are made, Dr.H mentioned an ethical question related to the SNAPS programs (commonly known as 'food stamps') and the WIC program: Should the foods which are obtained via SNAPS be monitored as closely as the WIC program? WIC requires certain food choices be made which are beneficial to the health of the woman and her children. However, with food stamps the applicant has the ability to buy as much junk food (or healthy food in some cases) as they're allowance permits. In my humble opinion, I think that if the government and its citizens are technically paying for someone to eat free food, they should have to create limitations which may ultimately give back to the rest of the community: better nutrition corresponds to better health, which in turn corresponds to overall improvement of life across the nation. It may seem far-stretched, but America has to start doing small things in order to promote a change in the right direction.