For the policy-oriented people, something to ponder other than health care reform.
No Food Stamps for Soda - NYT (This article was circulated by GSPP's econ professor Steve Raphael)
New York City and State asked the USDA to prohibit food stamps from being used to buy sodas and other sugary drinks because they have low nutritional value and contribute to a growing obesity problem in New York.
This made me think about the conversations we've had in class addressing conservative attacks on "obamacare" and the government being "too paternalistic." There was also an article in SF Chronicle a couple weeks ago about a resolution they were considering that would limit the giving away of toys with foods that are unhealthy (i.e. happy meals from McDonalds). I'm all for encouraging people to make healthy choices, but is this the way?
We learn from economics that our choices are heavily influenced by our budget constraints, but how, or even should, our food consumption choices also be constrained by public policy? Is it OK to limit the choices of the poor (on food stamps) and not okay to limit the choices of the rich (because they make their choices with their own money)?
Where do we draw the bright line? Or, should we?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I think you make a good point about where to draw the line with paternalism and the limiting of people's choices when it comes to unhealthy food. I think the line is blurred when it comes to the happy meals as those are directed toward kids and guiding their decision-making is more acceptable. The food stamps, however, do get to an interesting point: the inequity in our targeting of paternalism.
I would be interested to hear your view on a more equitable approach, such as a soda tax that would affect all SES levels.
Personally, I think that we as a society should draw a line as we have with other unhealthy products. I realize that food is a tricky subject because unlike tobacco, we can't say "Don't Eat," however our unhealthy food habits lead to just as much if not more deaths. I however, am favorable of a fair and equitable policy, not one that further marginalizes the poor.
Post a Comment