We spent $2 Billion on what!?!

Sugary drinks for Food-Assistance Program

Sugary drinks are under heavy scrutiny these days. If you weren't aware already, it is thought that sugary drinks are significant contributors to our ongoing obesity epidemic- rightfully so. Sugary drinks include soda pop and fruit juices (most of which have more sugar than pop). Just this month, in fact, New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg, successfully instituted a ban on the sale of large sodas in restaurants, food carts, and movie theaters- the New York City Board of Health upheld the ban last week. The NYC ban prohibits the sale of sugary drinks in containers larger than 16oz. Feel free to read more about the ban and its implications HERE.

More about that $2 Billion

According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)- formerly known as Food-Stamps- pays AT LEAST $2 Billion for sugary drinks (soda pop, fruit juices, sports drinks). If that shocks you or causes you to turn and bang your head against the nearest wall, you're not alone. Lead researchers agree- stating that, while programs like SNAP are absolutely crucial, paying for products "at the core of public health concerns about obesity and chronic illnesses is misaligned with the goal of helping economically vulnerable families live active, healthy lives." DUH!

AT LEAST $2 Billion? Yes, you read that right

The study was conducted by analyzing data from a regional supermarket chain and cross-referencing that information with purchasing profiles of SNAP participants. A regional supermarket- that means that the estimated $2 Billion does not include Wal-Mart! That means this profile could be an underestimate, an overestimate, or it could be spot-on. Ask yourself- "are sugary drinks purchased at Wal-Mart using food-assistance?" ...AT LEAST $2 Billion!

Interested in Learning More?

If you're interested in more, much of the above information can be found in a news release from Yale University that can be found online. The study can be found in the October issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine and the CDC can be an additional resource if you're interested in reading more about sugary drinks.

Oh, Yeah!

I nearly forgot. How about recommending something useful? Well, if you're interested in becoming healthier yourself, try drinking water. Being dehydrated prevents your body from functioning optimally- oftentimes causing you to overeat! So give water a try and if you can't stand drinking water, try flavoring it with fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice- all of which are available to SNAP participants too!