Fast Food for the Poor?

Recently, Louisville based Yum!Brands, which owns KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell has pressed the Governor of Kentucky for inclusion in the state run food stamp program. Louisville Courier Journal
The US Department of Agriculture food stamp program has authorized the use of "food stamps at restaurants since 1974. At first only the elderly and disabled were given access to this use but as of 1992 the homeless were extended the privilege. Upon first look, this doesn't pass the smell test. But for a large number of individuals in the program a hot meal is unattainable because they lack access to a kitchen to store and cook food.

The real problem starts when you see that many of the restaurants approved by the USDA are of the fast food variety. With the US obesity numbers rising and the known effect obesity has on overall health, is food stamps for fast food a wise choice?

In a 2004 interview with "Nations Restaurant News" Leo O'Farrell, food stamp manager for San Francisco, defends the practice.

"We have to find restaurants that are low priced and in areas where homeless, disabled and elderly live," adding, "fast food offers people more choices. They can make a decision on where to eat based on their mood."

I don't know the answer to the problem but I will be firm in my belief it doesn't include wide spread access to fast food.

James Donaldson of Black Voices summed up my opinion:

I have to give this whole concept the much-cliched side-eye. Although the intentions behind the original restaurant program were noble, this seems to have the potential for disaster. Since most states have offered this service to all food stamp recipients, it seems to have the potential for abuse. While it is a reasonable and logical solution that offers the elderly, homeless, disabled and families who may not have access to kitchen facilities a way to get a hot meal, can the increased government subsidization of fast food consumption in communities that are already struggling with an epidemic of obesity and related health problems really be a good idea?

What do you think, I'd love to know.

Dr. David Marcon
Cincinnati, Ohio 45255
drdavidmarcon.com