The Potato - an enemy of the State?
When I heard that the United States Government was working to BAN people receiving government assistance and schools from buying potatoes, I took a step back. Could this be true? Could Big Brother be that -- intrusive? It turns out that it's true and the government is taking steps to eliminate potatoes from the diets of welfare recipients and children who eat school lunch. Since when did the potato become our enemy? Will potatoes eventually be banned from consumption in the US?
The Institute of Medicine, the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences, recommended that the U.S. Department of Agriculture stop participants of the federal Women, Infants and Children program, known as WIC, from buying potatoes with federal dollars. The institute also called for the USDA-backed school lunch program to limit use of potatoes. This is a program that Barack Hussein and Michelle Obama are pushing hard to see implemented. I wonder if any of it has to do with the fact that the potato producing states have not voted for him or his cronies? The State of Idaho would be CRUSHED economically by this decision.
Under an interim rule, the USDA agreed to bar WIC participants from buying potatoes with their federal dollars. Potatoes are the only vegetable not allowed. Next year, the agency will roll out a final rule on the WIC program, which last year served 9.3 million children and pregnant and breast-feeding women considered at risk for malnutrition.
Associated Press
GLEED, Wash. - Potato growers are fighting back against efforts to ban or limit potatoes in federal child nutrition programs, arguing the tuber is loaded with potassium and vitamin C and shouldn't be considered junk food.
One Washington man is so exasperated by the proposals that he's in the midst of a 60-day, all potato diet to demonstrate that potatoes are nutritious.
"We're just really concerned that this is a misconception to the public that potatoes aren't healthy," said Chris Voigt, head of the Washington Potato Commission. "The potato isn't the scourge of the earth. It's nutrition."
The USDA is expected to release changes to the federal school lunch program by the end of the year. The program subsidizes lunch and breakfast for nearly 32 million needy kids in most public schools and many private ones, and those schools must follow guidelines on what they serve.
12 comments:
Not only is this stupid and economically devastating to potato growers but as an American of Irish decent I see it as blatant discrimination directed at the Irish.
I am not joking. Growing up with Irish heritage most if not all meals had some variation of potato dish served with it.
I sure hope Idaho Spud doesn't see this post...
I sure hope Idaho Spud doesn't see this post...
Typical liberal action. A conservative would say, if you don't want fries/hash browns/Tater Tots(tm)/baked-with-butter-and-sour-cream, don't get it; liberals want to ban the base (the potato) so NOBODY can have it.
The potato contains vitamins and minerals, as well as an assortment of phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and polyphenols. A medium-size 150 g (5.3 oz) potato with the skin provides 27 mg of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value (DV)), 620 mg of potassium (18% of DV), 0.2 mg vitamin B6 (10% of DV) and trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. The fiber content of a potato with skin (2 g) is equivalent to that of many whole grain breads, pastas, and cereals.
I had not heard this, and hope that the policy is reversed. The potato has so much nutrition.
The government needs to back off. They are way up in our business and half the time with a half thought through idea. You know like this post. A perfect example.
Have a terrific day. :)
Watcher, you hit the nail on the head. Liberals feel that they have to be everyone's nanny. Conservatives simply say that you have the freedom to choose what to eat - choose wisely.
Slamdunk, I agree. The potato is not inherently bad for you. If you soak it in hot lard -- ok, maybe. Don't soak it in hot lard and you're fine.
Sig, the Democrats feel you'll be happier if you simply eliminate food grown in a "red" state.
Christopher, It's whiskey, and not potatoes that have kept the Irish from ruling the world!
Opus - Yes, it's just another reason why we don't want liberals in office.
Sandee - Eat potatoes while you can!
Could this be true? Could Big Brother be that -- intrusive?..ah yes Michelle wants to have the fries all to herself Opie..heh
White potatoes are pretty starchy and not that great in vitamins. Plus they're usually fried or filled with butter, sour cream, cheese...
But sweet potatoes/yams are one of the MOST nutritious veggies you can eat and full of fiber.
You already cannot purchase white potatoes on WIC. You can purchase sweet potatoes/yams.
And they're quite yummy plain or with a dash of cinnamon as well.
I understand what y'all are saying, but I have to agree here. The ENTIRE school lunch program needs revamping. As a formerly obese person, I've studied the school lunches and they are absolutely atrocious, as are school breakfasts. Corn dogs for breakfast? Greasy burgers for lunch?
We have an entire generation coming up overweight or obese. It is expected that 1/3 of all children born in 2000 will become diabetic as a result of poor diet and high weight.
If government funds are used to purchase food, it should be packed with nutrition and not simple starches (which digest quickly and then turn to fat).
I'd be up in arms if the government tried to say no white potatoes period. They're just saying that government funds shouldn't be used to purchase foods that aren't truly healthy. As far as I'm concerned they should add white breads, white rice, Twinkies, soda, candy, etc.
The food stamp program should be more like the WIC program outlining exactly what a person can purchase.
Don't forget to VOTE to RESTORE SANITY in Washington DC this Tuesday!
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