If one Republican congressman has his way, the days of buying soda or junk food with food stamps will be over. Representative Phil Roe (R., Tenn.) introduced a bill that would require food stamps to be spent only on nutritious food.

The restrictions on the food stamps are already that you can’t spend the stamps on alcohol, cigarettes, medicine, vitamins, or prepared food. In case the purpose of “food” stamps wasn’t obvious, using them to buy makeup, household items such as soap, or pet foods is also prohibited. Junk-food items  from soda to cookies to sweets can be bought with food stamps.

Food stamp is only given to people who apply and meet the requirements. Some things that you are required to have to receive food stamp:

• Make sure you have the appropriate citizenship status
• Have the limited monthly income
• ETC..

Many people feel that the government shouldn’t be able to control what you buy with food stamps. Sylvia Oatley, Unis Middle School math teacher, stated “I agree with the desire to help people eat nutrition, but do I agree with the legislator forcing it? No.”

When Sylvia was also asked if she was using food stamps, would she want the government controlling what she ate, she stated, “I would not like that at all because I am a grown up and I like making my own choices.” Food stamp is given for assistance for the less fortunate families that need it. Should they be able to make their own choices or should the government have some control?

Nawel Saleh,  Dearborn Heights resident who was once on food stamps when growing up, states, “I think it’s great that they want to keep people healthy, but not all junk food should be restricted.” “Everyone deserves to get a treat every once in while.” Some people may have low blood sugar and need to eat something sweet daily.

On the other hand, people get diabetes from eating too much junk food. Some can get other major health risks from eating unhealthy. This restriction may be able to help stop this from happening or at least reduce it.

Iman Berry, California resident, states, “ This can be a good change. Everyone may think it’s horrible, but it can be life changing in a good way.  It can cause many to have a healthier lifestyle.”

So comment your sides. How would you feel if this were happening to you or someone you know?

Mariam Amin, Middle School Journalist