For those who favor a smaller, less intrusive federal government, the Trump administration has floated some really encouraging, well-thought-out policies. The “USDA America's Harvest Box” is not among them.
The idea, presented by Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney in the president's proposed budget, would radically alter the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), popularly known as “food stamps.”
Currently, 42 million SNAP beneficiaries get a debit card they can use like cash to purchase unprepared foods. The card can't be used on non-edible household goods, alcohol, or hot meals. Recipients shop in stores they choose and buy foods they prefer. If family members have dislikes, food allergies or religious proscriptions, they can avoid the problematic foods. Vegetarians can avoid meat. Southerners can buy grits. Philadelphians can buy scrapple. The government determines eligibility, loads the debit cards, and steps away.
