New Food Stamp Standards Could Boost Access To Healthier Foods – Wisconsin Public Radio News

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing brand-new rules to improve access to healthy and balanced meals for those using meals stamps, however convenience store officials said the move could result in fewer spots participating in the program. 

The proposal needs retailers participating in the Supplemental Nourishment Recommendations Program, or SNAP, to stock a wider lot of healthy and balanced food. USDA officials said the majority of people using SNAP rewards go to a supermarket or big-box store, however several can’t grab to traditional grocery stores.

Amber Canto, coordinator of the Wisconsin Nourishment Education Program, said the effort aims to enable better access to healthy and balanced meals choices.

“healthy and balanced meals selections could be limited for households residing in lower-income communities, communities of color or rural areas, and so limited access to stores that carry healthy and balanced meals can easily actually contribute to — at least in some section — disparities we see in diet regimen and health,” said Canto.

However, the National Association of Convenience Stores oppose the stricter regulations under consideration. They would certainly require retailers to stock three various varieties in easy meals in four categories:  fruits and vegetables; meat, poultry or fish; bread or cereal; and dairy.

Anna Ready, of the association, additionally claims others proposed modifications go beyond what’s called for in the 2014 Farm Bill. For instance, macaroni and cheese or cold pizza wouldn’t be counted as a staple meals due to the fact that the 2 have actually multiple ingredients.  So retailers could no longer matter mac and cheese in the breads and cereals category.

Canto said the USDA modifications are created to encourage people to buy healthier food. Research hasn’t determined whether availability matters. 

“Whether that’s actually consumed or not is an additional physique of literature and we’ve got some mixed outcomes on that end. however growing evidence that appears to suggest that is positively influencing in that regard,” Canto said.

The proposal doesn’t further limit Exactly how SNAP rewards can easily be used; they could still be used to purchase junk food.

Editor’s note: The original headline to this story mischaracterized the intention behind the USDA changes. It has actually been updated.