Choices limited with food stamps

To the editor:

As part of my Problems of Modern Society class at Mount Vernon High School, I took part in the food stamp challenge.

In the challenge, I developed a weeklong 21-meal plan based off the maximum weekly monetary assistance given by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to a qualified individual in Iowa - $29.

When I stepped into a local grocery store, I realized how difficult this would be. Items such as fresh fruits and vegetables were very expensive in comparison to cheap, processed foods. I often had to decide between buying the most calories and buying balanced, nutritional items. In the end, I was just barely able to spread my $29 around to provide a serving from all five food groups for each day of the week.

This experience opened my eyes to the dilemma faced by those on food assistance programs. Often, people on these programs are forced to buy the cheaper, less nutritious food in order to get the most out of their limited support.

As a result, it is no wonder that obesity rates are higher among those who live below the poverty line. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poorest 20 percent of counties in the United States have a 23 percent higher obesity rate than the wealthiest 20 percent of counties. Reforms, like vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables, will be needed if we wish to make nutritious food available to everyone.

Jack Young

Mount Vernon