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NB's The Nyle Magazine

Monday, October 08, 2012

 

Health


Published September 8, 2011-Updated October 18, 2011


“Free to Eat”

by Nathan’ette Burdine-Follow on Twitter@nbnylemagazine

            New York City’s residents have received confirmation that they are free to eat what they want.  According to CBS News, the USDA decided not to go along with Mayor Bloomberg and former Governor Patterson’s temporary ban on sodas, sports drinks, and other sugary products purchased with food stamps.  Mayor Bloomberg was trying to do his part in making America a healthier place by using legislation to limit the amount of sugary drinks food stamp recipients receive.  Bloomberg views the high incidence of diabetes and heart disease as placing a burden on the state because the city will be bearing the health care costs that will be evident in more visits to the doctor resulting in higher insurance rates.  CBS News reported that Bloomberg said, “We think our innovative pilot would have done more to protect people from the crippling effects of preventable illnesses like diabetes and obesity than anything being proposed anywhere else in this country-and at little or no cost to taxpayers.”  However, this wasn’t enough for the federal government to allow an intrusion on a basic right, to choose, even if it means high blood pressure and heart attacks.  According to the New York Post, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called and informed the mayor of the fed’s decision to not support the ban.  And as it stands, New York City’s welfare recipients have maintained their right to freely eat what they want.


Email-nathanette.burdine@thenylemagazine.com

 



 

 

 

 
 

 

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