doctors say cutting food stamps could backfire

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FOOD_STAMPS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-01-10-03-50-05


This photo taken Jan. 8, 2014 shows the contents of a specially prepared box of food at a food bank distribution in Petaluma, Calif., part of a research project with Feeding America to try to improve the health of diabetics in food-insecure families. Doctors are warning that the federal government could be socked with a bigger health bill if Congress cuts food stamps _ maybe not immediately, they say, but if the poor wind up in doctors' offices or hospitals as a result. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Doctors are warning that if Congress cuts food stamps, the federal government could be socked with bigger health bills. Maybe not immediately, they say, but over time if the poor wind up in doctors' offices or hospitals as a result.

Among the health risks of hunger are spiked rates of diabetes and developmental problems for young children down the road.

The doctors' lobbying effort comes as Congress is working on a compromise farm bill that's certain to include food stamp cuts. Republicans want heftier reductions than do Democrats in yet another partisan battle over the government's role in helping poor Americans.

Food stamps, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, feed 1 in 7 Americans and cost almost $80 billion a year, twice what it cost five years ago. Conservatives say the program spiraled out of control as the economy struggled and the costs are not sustainable. They say the neediest people will not go hungry.

[LuvNewcastle]

1. That's okay, conservatives want to reduce money for medical needs as well.

If we cut out all the programs for the poor, we won't face blowback for cutting any one benefit, or so the logic goes.

[babylonsister]

2. Conservatives say "the neediest people will not go hungry."

And they know that how? Not through any proactive efforts from them. Stands to reason if people are starving, health issues might ensue.