Reforming SNAP, Part 1

Reforming SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—formerly known as food stamps—is designed to address nutritional gaps for economically-disadvantaged Americans. But critics argue that SNAP’s lack of selectivity when it comes to ultra-processed foods stokes the current epidemic epidemic of obesity and metabolic disorders. Nutritionist Carolina Schneider MS, RD joins us to discuss an opportunity to reform SNAP this September when Congress takes up renewal of the Farm Bill. She makes the case for emphasizing fresh, minimally-processed food as eligible for purchase under SNAP. Also, she urges inclusion of vitamin D under SNAP benefits because of the pervasiveness of vitamin D deficiency, especially among SNAP recipients. Check out a hub for citizen activism at www.All4VitaminD.org. In part 2 we shift to consideration of plant-based diets: What are their advantages, and what are potential pitfalls? Click HERE for part 2.