SNAP RECIPIENTS IN DELAWARE CAN’T AFFORD HEALTHY FOODS

A bill recently introduced in the Delaware legislature that would restrict SNAP purchases to foods “with proven beneficial nutritional value.” But “The biggest barrier between low-income Delawareans and a healthy diet is not a lack of will or self-control, but a lack of affordability and accessibility,” write Food Bank of Delaware officials. Since 1980, the cost of fruits and vegetables rose 40% according to the Consumer Price Index, and the cost of processed foods decreased 20 to 30%. A 2013 Institute of Medicine report found that SNAP payments are not adequate to support a sufficiently healthy diet. “For Delawareans living in ‘food deserts,’ more expensive foods of increased nutritional value aren’t even an available option.”

 

Source:  Delaware Online, 4/15/14, Affordable Food