Lawmakers To Weigh How Food Stamps Affect Obesity

Sugary, high-calorie sodas should not be covered through the U.S. food stamp program, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Wellesley College professor and food expert Rob Paarlberg told the House Agriculture Committee last week. Sodas are part of the obesity problem, Paarlberg argued. Committee Chair Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) said lawmakers would examine how SNAP is contributing to obesity.

• "Ban Sugary Soda From U.S. Food Stamps" (Abbott, Reuters, 5/13).