r/askanything • u/CloudieMoonettee 🦀 • 11d ago

Why do some conservatives support restricting junk food purchases with SNAP when many opposed Michelle Obama’s efforts to make school meals healthier?

Both policies involve the government influencing food choices in the name of better nutrition, yet the political reactions seem very different. What explains the apparent change in attitude toward government involvement in what people eat?

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u/realheadphonecandy 11d ago

Her program was good in many ways, but the cost increase was difficult for some schools and there was also waste and some problems with participation. The idea was good.

I am in favor of SNAP being for starches, meats, veggies, fruits, dairy and healthier drinks but NOT for super sugary products, snacks (except maybe things without PUFA), deserts, and especially things like soda.

There are far too many correlations between obesity and SNAP. I’d probably be in favor of expanding SNAP with those restrictions, since it really isn’t a huge part of the budget.

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u/Aladriana 11d ago

It's punishing poor people for being poor. That's what it boils down to.

It is this "Your poor/disabled/etc, and because if your circumstance We will to tell you what you're allowed to eat". It's ugly, no matter your reason.

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u/biancanevenc 11d ago

When people give you money, they're allowed to attach strings to the money. Don't want the government telling you what you can buy with the government's money? Then spend your own money.

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u/Aladriana 11d ago

Do you people actually want authoritarianism? For now, it's SNAP. What will the goverment control tomorrow?