Restricting what federal food aid recipients can buy with their benefits has incensed Democrats and divided Republicans, stoking heated debates about government overreach, an ailing American population, and how welfare should work.
But as lawmakers look to address the increasingly poor health outcomes for low-income Americans, nutrition programs that offer healthy eating incentives instead of restrictions are garnering support on both sides of the aisle. Such approaches could make it into the five-year reauthorization of the farm bill, which expires after September — though they will have to contend with spending constraints on Capitol Hill.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, ...