Unit 10 Digital Storytelling E-Book

7/30/2019 Unit 10 Digital Storytelling E-Book

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Stamping on Nutrition: Government funds

vs. Human Need

By, William T. Crawley

Prepared for: Rebecca McCarthy, English 102

South Seattle Community Collage

December 2, 2012


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foods and did not buy more foods from the farmers, the government saw its first problem.

This attempt at a food program ended in 1943 once the affects of the great depression were

wearing off (Berry pg42). In 1961, the government started up with a food program once

again, this time looking only towards the need of the hungry, by 1964, president Johnson

passed the Food Stamp Act (Berry pg. 67). However, food stamps were more like coupons

that required those who received income to buy them in order to make the shopping budget go

further. It was not until 1977, that people were given food stamps without having to buy

them first (Potash, DVD).

For many years Americas food program was known strictly as food stamps. While in

this new day and age most still refer to this supplemental help as stamps, but the agency that

controls the money is now referred to as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or

(SNAP) (USDA). In most states, SNAP offers an Electronic Benefit Transfer card more

commonly called an (EBT) card. This card replaced the coupons that were once used and

offers food stamp users privacy when shopping; the EBT swipes just like a credit card

(USDA).

Big brother can be thanked for offering the new EBT cards, but the real problems within

the system still exist. The poor are not receiving enough money to buy healthy food and the

food they can afford is processed and lacks proper nutrients. In this case healthy foods are the

words to focus on. Here are the facts: in 2011, 27.9 million people in the U.S. were using

food stamps to feed themselves and their families (Potash, DVD). In America today, one in

eight people live below the poverty line (Potash, DVD). A family receiving supplemental

support gets roughly $1.00 per meal, per person (USDA). Now try to imagine an average

family of four trying to create a healthy balanced meal on only $4.00 per meal. But this is


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not the worst part, currently food prices have risen to an all time high; healthy food like

vegetables and fruits are costing 20% more this year than they did last year (Potash, DVD).

At the same time junk foods loaded with sugars, soy, white flower, processed corn, and rice

are 2% less expensive than they were last year (Potash, DVD). Why is this you might ask?

The answer is simple; big brother government is putting their money into the wrong kind of

farming.

Farming? But food stamps and farming have had nothing to do with each other since the

Roosevelt days, right? Well that is kind of right, but heres how they enter connect now. The

government spends 300billion dollars every year in subsidies that go towards farmers who

grow corn, wheat, cotton, soy, and rice (Potash, DVD). They do not give big money to farms

growing broccoli, carrots, kale, beets, or any other healthy fruit or veggie. These subsidizes

encourage farmers to grow food that are not as healthy. In turn because the farmers are being

paid more by the government they are able to sale for less to. These subsidized low nutrient

foods are then bought by companies that turn these ingredients into cheep processed,

preserved, ready to eat, filler foods. Because they are filled with other ingredients that

artificially make them tasty, most American dont think twice about the nutritional value of

these processed wonders. However, for people living on food stamps, these processed foods

are often the only choice when it comes to fighting hunger. And why does the government

subsidize bad for you foods like corn, wheat, and soy?

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) corn, wheat, and soy

are big money here in the U.S. and food is currently one of Americas bigg est money makers.

Big business food corporations help with funding for campaigning congressmen and women,

later the elected officials return the favor by supporting the right causes. EWG pointed out


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Maurice Wilder, a real estate developer who once farmed and made good money turning all

his crops into corn. He is now worth roughly $500 million dollars and still receives $1

million dollars a year from government subsidies on the farm land he still owns (EWG).

So what are these cheep processed food really doing to us? Currently over 2/3 of

America is overweight or obese (National Institutes of Health). This fact has almost nothing

to do with how much we sit behind desks; it is all about our food. The processed foods made

available for a low price by the government are actually killing us. George Orwell wrote the

book1984, the story depicts a very strong image of big brother v. little brother. It painted

picture of a controlling government who controlled its people through suppression and

manipulation. In some way, controlling the food farmed and served to the majority of feels

like a scary adaptation of Orwells frightening fictional world. To add to this though

journalist Rich Lowry wrote an article entitled: The Rise of Food-Stamp Nation where he

stated: The bottom line is that government at all levels actively wants people on the program

(Lowry). If this point of view is at all true it implies the need for control from the

government. It almost exposes the fact that the people are easier to control when they are sick

and weak.

When the human body obtains adequate nutrition it balances and weight is normally not

an issue. However, the saturated fats, high calorie counts, and processed corn sweeteners and

oils are extremely taxing on the human body to process. There are so few real nutrients in

these foods that they can really only be considered fillers.

Percentage of healthy, overweight, and obese adults in the United States

Age 20>yrs

Healthy weight BMI 18.5to 24.9

Overweight BMI 25.029.9

Obese BMI 30 andabove


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Age 20>yrs

Healthy weight BMI 18.5to 24.9

Overweight BMI 25.029.9

Obese BMI 30 andabove

All Adults 32.9% 34.1% 32.2%

Women 35.4% 28.6% 34.6%

Men 30.4% 39.7% 31.1%

SOURCE: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NationalInstitutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Many people have tried health conscience shopping on a food stamp budget and while it

is worth a try it is not totally possible. While taking a nutrition class a few semesters back I

tried shopping for a week on the average allotment for a single adult in Washington State

which is roughly $32.00 a week. Writing a menu that carefully considered nutrition and cross

utilized many ingredients, I thought this task would be simple, but simple it was not. By the

time all the shopping was done, the original menu had transformed from a light meat eating

diet to a completely vegetarian diet. Dried beans, lentils, and brown rice were an everyday

supplement from protein, peanut butter could only be served by the tablespoon and fruits and

vegetables were cut in half to last the week. As a 6 foot 5 inch male weighing roughly 240lb.

I am supposed to consume 2300 calories a day. After stretching my budget to the max, I was

almost 1000 calories to low, I was receiving only half the amount of fruits and veggies I need

and the protein received from the beans and rice were nowhere near meeting the nutritional

guidelines set by the USDA.

This is the original menu I had created and was unable to use due to lack of money.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday


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Breakfast 2 eggs 1piece oftoast

Cerealwithmilk anda banana

2 eggs 1piece oftoast

Cerealwith milkand abanana

Cerealwithmilk anda banana

2 eggs 1piece oftoast

Cerealwith milkand abanana

Lunch Apple

and adeli meatandcheesesandwichwithchips

Apple

and aPeanutbutterand Jellysandwichwithchips

Apple and a

deli meatand cheesesandwichwith chips

Apple and

a Peanutbutter andJellysandwichwith chips

Apple

and adeli meatandcheesesandwichwithchips

Apple and

a Peanutbutter andJellysandwichwith chips

Apple and

a deli meatand cheesesandwichwith chips

Dinner Blackbeanburritos

Spaghettiwithmeatsauce

Roastedchicken,rice,spinach

ChickenTacos

FrozenPizzawithsalad

HomemadeSoupcarrots,celery,

onion,noodles

Hamburger

This is my original shopping list and prices for each item.

Original Shopping List Not Used

1 can black beans $0.99

Salsa $1.75

Tortilla $1.79

Cheese $2.00

Canned tomatoes $1.69

Garlic $0.49

Basil $3.39

2 lbs ground beef $6.89

Roasted chicken $5.99

Potatoes $0.59 per lb

Pizza $1.25

Lettuce $3.99

Carrots $0.99

Celery $0.99

Onions $0.82

Noodles $0.99

Hamburger buns $1.09

Yogurt X5 $0.99

Apples $3.39

Strawberries $2.50

Grapes $2.56

Eggs $1.09

Milk $2.09

Cereal $1.99


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Juice $5.00

Bread $1.09

Lunch meats $3.00

Peanut butter $2.09

Jelly $2.29

Chips $2.00

Total: 58.32

Bellow is the menu I had to use, as you can see I had to leave the meat behind and

revise with lentils and beans for protein.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday SundayBreakfast 2 eggs 1

piece oftoast andbananas

Cereal

withmilk anda banana

2 eggs 1


Cereal

with milkand abanana

Cereal


2 eggs 1


Cereal


Lunch Appleand acheesesandwich

Appleand aPeanutbuttersandwich

Apple and acheesesandwich

Apple anda Peanutbuttersandwich

Appleand acheesesandwich

Appleand aPeanutbuttersandwich

Appleand acheesesandwich

Dinner Lentilswithbrown

ricesteamedcarrotsandonions

Lentilswithbrown

ricesteamedcarrotsandonions

Frozensupremepizza with

meat andveggiesWith rawcarrot sticks

Red beansandbrown

rice withgreensKale andcarrots

Redbeansand

brownrice withgreensKale andcarrots

Bakedpotatoeswith

broccoliandsteamedcarrots

Pastawith redsauce

Andcarrotsticks

This is my revised shopping list.

Shopping list

8 oz Cheese $2.00

Frozen Pizza $1.25

Pasta 1 bag $0.99

Spaghetti sauce $1.25

Eggs $1.09

Milk gal $2.09


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Cereal $1.99

Bread $1.09

Peanut Butter $2.99

Brown Rice 2lb. $3.69

Dry Red Beans 16oz bag $1.69

Dry Lentils 16 oz bag $1.69

Kale Greens $1.29

Broccoli $1.59

Bag of Apples $1.39

2lb Bananas $1.38

1 lb Carrots $0.99

1 Onion $0.82

2 lg Baked Potato $1.18

Total $30.36


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In a documentary called Food Stamped, directed and produced by Shira Potash, Potash

and her boy friend do the same experiment, attempting to stretch a food stamp budget out for

a week. They had $50.00 for the week between the two of them. During this film the two of

them shop, cook, and experience what life on food stamps is really like. They too attempted a

nutritious and balanced menu. They mentioned feeling hungry after meals, and wishing for

more. After the week they saw a nutritionist who was impressed with how well they had

balanced there menu, but because of low calorie intake she suggested that if this diet were to

become long term, weight loss would become a problem to the already fit couple (Potash,

DVD).

Potash interview several people from congress who had taken part in a week long food

stamp study as well. Hearing that members of congress cared enough to try living on a food

stamp budget for a week is refreshing information. During his interview Congressman Jim

McGovern a democrat for Massachusetts stated: Hunger is a political condition, we have all

the resources, we have all the knowledge, we have all the info structure; everything we need

to solve it, we dont have the political will. (Potash, DVD) Congresswoman Barbra Lee a

democrat for California said that she was working for the appropriation committee during the

week long study. She mentioned having a hard time focusing; she felt she could not think

straight enough to crunch numbers. That was after just a few days of living on food stamp

funds. Imagine how lack of nutrition might affect ones mind and body after years.

Serious health problems are caused on both sides of this issue. People eating too few

calories suffer from undernourishment which is caused by either not eating enough food, or

filling up on empty calories. In cases weight loss, fatigue, and can occur, if the body goes

without proper nourishment for too long it can cause organ failure, digestive problems, and


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death (Benard). In cases where the body is taking in too many empty calories and weight gain

occurs, problems with blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cholesterol plague the

victims of poor nutrition (Benard).

(http://yedies.blogspot.com/2010/10/idepression-20.html)

This is an image of a welfare line during the Great Depression. Notice that people in

need were thin, hungry looking even

(Naples News)


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Look at us now, waiting in the same line, only now we dont look so hungry. Prof that

cheep processed food is killing America.

The health issues tied to food stamps has not gone completely unnoticed by congress.

In a 2007 meeting regarding food stamps they discussed that issue. How is it that many of

the same families who struggle to get by also seem at greatest risk of becoming overweight

and developing diet-related chronic diseases like diabetes (U.S Congress)? Congress need to

take a close look at this problem, because the same people who are requiring money for food

stamps, later need money to seek medical help.

So what can we do? According to Tom Christiano our problem lies at the very heart of

our country. The problem may just be democracy itself. Christiano describes the ideals of

democracy as group decision making, it is a collective path that sets forth to meet the needs of

the many; in the attempts at equality for all.

On his view, individual citizens and even politicians are apt not to have a sense

of responsibility for the quality of legislation because no one makes a significant

difference to the outcomes of decision making. As a consequence, citizens

concerns are not focused on politics and politicians succeed only by making loud

and manipulative appeals to citizens in order to gain more power, but all lack

incentives to consider views that are genuinely for the common good. (Christiano)

Perhaps Christiano is right maybe there are too many voices, but maybe its not the number of

voices, but whose voices we are hearing. Does hunger really affect our politicians? Have any of

them gone hungry? In most cases it is safe to assume that our politicians live the good life, they

eat well and make good money every day.

Part II


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The time has come; little brother needs to rise up. America needs to rise up, both rich

and poor. Farmers need to rise up and grow the food that nourishes the people. There can be no

pride in growing the ingredients that are hurting America. Change can only come when the

people stand up tall. Three things need to happen in order to make change. First, education is

the key element in any good uprising. Second, communication, the people need to connect and

make some noise. Lastly, take what you have and work with it, build community and grow your

own vegetables.

Education does not have to come at a price, so much information can be obtained from

your local library. The library offers an endless resource from books and dictations of every

meeting congress has ever held. There are shelves full of books on nutrition, health, and your

legal rights. In addition the library has free internet. The internet not only works as an amazing

research tool, but it connects us to the world. Local food banks are a great to gather information,

people working in food banks are there to help and direct individuals towards resources.

Farmers markets now accept EBT cards (Potash). Meet your local farmers, get to know them

and find out how amazing fresh food can be. Farmers can negotiate prices and work with you in

ways that big grocery stores cant.

Lets dig deeper into the ideas around an uprising and internet use. Using the internet

individuals can connect with other in similar circumstances. The internet has lots of free

blogging sites. Blogging offers the people an opportunity to say what they are thinking, share

information, and connect with others. Before you know it you come to fine out youre not alone.

The internet also has great free sites like Facebook. Groups can be formed on Facebook that

bring people together. Take notice of your neighbors, find out who is using food stamps and

offer opportunities to share information, get others excited about change.


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and heart disease. American needs to take a stand, a stand against hunger, a stand for good

health a true stand against big brother. Only through working together can the people make

change.


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http://yedies.blogspot.com/

Benard, Tyffani. Health Problems Associated With UndernutritionLives Strong.Com. Mar.

28, 2011 Web. Nov. 13, 2012

Barry, Jeffery M. Feeding the Hungry: Rulemaking in the Food Stamp Program. New Jersey:

Rutgers University Press. 1984. Print.

Christiano, Tom, "Democracy", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2008

Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL =

http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2008/entries/democracy/Thu Jul 27, 2006 Web. 1 Nov.

2012

Environmental Working Group. EWG Farm Subsides. United States Summery Information.

Nov. 9, 2004. Web, Nov. 19, 2012.http://farm.ewg.org/region.php?fips=00000

Gingrich, Paul. Power, Domination, Legitimation, and Authority. Sociology 250 University of

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