But another one of Maine’s 180,000 food stamp recipients, Samantha Watson, said she believes a ban from using food stamps on soda and candy won’t make low-income people any healthier. Paul LePage and fellow Republicans in two other states are now renewing their efforts to restrict food stamps in the hopes that Trump will be more amenable than the previous administration. The governor’s efforts in Maine have inspired legislators in Tennessee and Arkansas, who say they won’t give up trying to restrict food stamp purchases. Last summer, LePage threatened to cease Maine’s administration of the food stamp program after the USDA raised questions about Maine’s proposed ban. There’s been little change over the ensuing years, although the USDA will soon require stores that accept food stamps to stock more fruits, vegetables and other healthy food.

Source: Indian Express April 08, 2017 17:26 UTC