Under Trump budget, food stamp recipients wouldn’t be able to choose what they buy

RICHMOND, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Richmond Emergency Food Bank volunteer Abdul Olorode packs boxes with food to be handed out to needy people on November 1, 2013 in Richmond, California. An estimated 47 million Americans will see their food stamp benefits cut starting today as temporary relief to the federal program ends with no new budget from Congress to replace it. Under the new Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP), a family of four that used to receive $668 per month will see that amount cut by $36. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

President Trump’s budget proposal is causing a stir, and for those who use the nation’s food assistance program it could also affect what's put on the dinner table.

Under Trump’s plan, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP would incorporate a “USDA Foods package” as half of its benefits. As reported by NPR, the package would include “shelf-stable milk, ready to eat cereals, pasta, peanut butter, beans and canned fruit and vegetables.” Under SNAP’s current program, recipients get money every month on an EBT card, which can be used on food that falls under certain guidelines.

Critics of Trump’s plan say it will give a stigma to low income SNAP beneficiaries, and restrict their food choices. The USDA has said that state governments will deliver food a lower cost, although it’s unclear how the food would be distributed on a state-by-state basis, so how viable is the plan?

Guests:

Andrew Cheyne, director of government affairs for the California Association of Food Banks

Brandon Lipps, acting deputy undersecretary for food nutrition and consumer services administrator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture