Hold the Lobster. This New York Legislator Wants to Prevent ‘Luxury’ Purchases With Food Stamps

The aim of her bill is to “improve public health and promote better nutrition," state Sen. Patty Ritchie, a Republican, says.

Natalie Johnson, --February 26, 2016

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Food stamp recipients in New York could be barred from using their benefits to purchase “luxury” items like steaks and lobsters if a bill makes it through the state legislature.
State Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Oswegatchie, introduced legislation last week that would impose restrictions on enrollees in New York’s food stamps program to ensure they purchase only food and beverages deemed “essential.” In the bill’s memo, Ritchie said her aim is to “improve public health and promote better nutrition” as obesity continues to rise across the nation, costing U.S. taxpayers $147 billion a year. She wrote: More...

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