Rebuttal+for+Keeping+SNAP+Program

 ** __**Group A Rebuttal for Point 3**__ **

 ---     Gr  **3: SNAP does not necessarily have an increased ability to provide nutritious, appropriate foods. In the ERS Report Summary, “Food Stamps and Obesity: What do we know?”, multiple studies show a link between food stamps and elevated BMI and obesity in nonelderly adult women, who account for 28% of the food stamp caseload.**
 * 3. SNAP has an increased ability to provide nutritious, appropriate foods in socially acceptable ways. Additionally, allowing SNAP participants to select their own food can potentially provide educational opportunities that promote lasting lifestyle changes. **
 * Use of SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) at Farmers’ Markets can increase access to healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. [|[3]] **
 * Unlike food pantries, SNAP allows participants to shop at participating retailers of their own choosing and select their own food. This is important for SNAP participants who have dietary restrictions or preferences related to health condition(s), religion, culture, and/or other personal factors. **
 * Use of EBT systems has streamlined the delivery of benefits in many ways. Program participants are no longer stigmatized by using coupons because EBT debit card moves recipients on step closer to mainstream. [|[4]] **

**AtA Using a private system rather than SNAP for supplemental food assistance may provide a more personal opportunity for nutrition education and counseling on healthy food choices. Because the counseling will be on a much smaller scale, small group cooking and nutrition classes can be held in each town or city. Those recipients with dietary restrictions may be entitled to a nutrition education caseworker who could offer clients individual help planning their meals.**

**By Moreover, using funding to stimulate the economy and promote healthy food choices, like the monies given to begin grocery stores in low-income areas in Pennsylvania, a more privatized funding source would keep the autonomy that the EBT cards have given SNAP recipients, while further educating them and extending their food choices.**

**AccAccess is a major hurdle for many low income people, and the ability to increase units like Farmer's Markets by using money that may be currently used for overhead federals costs would help increase accessibility, without stigmatizing individual recipients.**