Questions for Classroom Discussion
CACFP
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)’s nutrition guidelines apply to children in child care centers who are of lower socioeconomic status.[1] Is this capitalizing upon an opportunity to promote healthy eating for vulnerable populations or is it ignoring the nutrition needs of children from families of higher socioeconomic means? Should the dietary requirements for CACFP be extended to other licensed care providers? Why or why not?
SNAP
Congress’s declaration of policy underlying SNAP is as follows:
It is hereby declared to be the policy of Congress, in order to promote the general welfare, to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation’s population by raising levels of nutrition among low-income households. Congress hereby finds that the limited food purchasing power of low- income households contributes to hunger and malnutrition among members of such households. Congress further finds that increased utilization of food in establishing and maintaining adequate national levels of nutrition will promote the distribution in a beneficial manner of the Nation’s agricultural abundance and will strengthen the Nation’s agricultural economy, as well as result in more orderly marketing and distribution of foods. To alleviate such hunger and malnutrition, a supplemental nutrition assistance program is herein authorized which will permit low-income households to obtain a more nutritious diet through normal channels of trade by increasing food purchasing power for all eligible households who apply for participation.[2]
Does the federal government’s allowance to purchase any food or beverage product except alcoholic beverages, tobacco, hot foods (unless specifically authorized) further this statement of purpose? Do you agree with changing the definition of eligible food under the SNAP program? If so, how would you address the issues raised by FRAC and the USDA? If not, how would you suggest improving the program for recipients to support health?
As part of the debate over restricting food purchase options discussed above, both the public health groups and the food insecurity groups state that the fact that SNAP recipients can use their own money to purchase sugary beverages supports their position. What type of arguments would they make to support their positions? What do you think about these perspectives?
WIC
Given political barriers and resource constraints, policymakers are often faced with difficult decisions when it comes to programs helping vulnerable populations. Because WIC is not an entitlement program, the government may not have enough WIC benefits for all those in need. As mentioned, the federal government directs state WIC agencies to provide benefits through a pre-established order of priority levels. What are some ethical issues that policy-makers face in making such a determination? How should policy-makers determine these needs? Do you agree with the order described above?
