Bill Would Forbid Certain Purchases in CalFresh
A bill in the Legislature -- SB 471 by Sen. Michael Rubio (D-East Bakersfield) -- would ban users of CalFresh, California's food stamp program, from purchasing sweetened beverages that have more than 10 calories per cup. The bill would allow purchases of juice with no added sugar, as well as milk products. Supporters of the legislation say it represents good health policy, while opponents have raised concerns that it unfairly singles out low-income shoppers and that grocers would not be able to track the nutritional value of every beverage product.
- "Rookie Lawmakers Takes Legislative Odyssey With Food Bill" (Van Oot, Sacramento Bee, 5/10).