Fast food restaurants have recently expressed their desire to have a part in the federal food stamps program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) created the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in May 1939 because low-income people needed a way to buy food.

Sarah Hussain

Food stamps are paid for by the federal funds, but states and even local governments have the last say in how they are used.

Until recently, food stamps were used only for groceries at food stores, at gas stations, dollar stores and pharmacies.

Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan have seized state governing options by the reins and are allowing citizens to use food stamps at fast food restaurants such as Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s, Pizza Hut and KFC.

According to the USDA website, in the 1970s provisions were made that allowed restaurants to serve the elderly, homeless and disabled with food stamps. That should have been the line the government doesn’t cross.

It is understandable the government might not expect those people to go grocery shopping for themselves and cook meals every day.

Whoever decided the citizens of those four aforementioned states that aren’t disabled, elderly or homeless couldn’t go grocery shopping and instead sit in a drive-thru lane were out of their minds.

What is the requirement to be disabled, elderly or homeless? Because clearly someone has stretched those guidelines.

When will the government put its foot down against obesity as opposed to allowing more income for their selfish selves? The government pays for food stamps for fast food restaurants then supports doctors who preach about healthy eating and exercising. A little confusing. Maybe they should pick a side.

What else will this terrible new venture affect, and which states are idiotic enough to allow this to occur?

Why are citizens OK with this? It is a proven fact that, as the years go on, children are lacking in parent-child interaction. Take them grocery shopping with you, show them what is healthy, and teach them how to cook. Interaction and a new life lesson, check!

How are people who have no other options than relying on food stamps supposed to stay healthy by eating fast food?

A burger and fries once a week is not going to clog arteries, but if that is what citizens who use food stamps turn to on a daily basis, there are going to be much bigger problems the government is going to have to deal with.

Knowing this provision has spread to four states now, this may very well expand to all 50. Let’s remember that individual states have the last say: Do not let this occur in Oklahoma because it’s the last thing we need.

To contact Sarah Hussain,

email staffwriter3@occc.edu