The present mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg has sought federal permission to dissuade food-stamp users from buying sugared drinks or soda.

The request was made to the United States Department of Agriculture which regulates the food-stamp program. A short overview of the proposal by the mayor suggested a starting ban for two years. This will be followed by market surveillance to study if it has a positive effect on health and if a permanent ban is important.

During the briefing session he mentioned that the country still battles the incomplete signature issues of obesity and diabetes. This initiative will allow the food-stamp recipients to spend on foods and drinks which provide real nourishment.

Public health experts and George Hacker, senior policy adviser for the health promotion project of the Center for Science in the Public Interest received this proposal very well.

Dr. Richard F. Daines stated, “These recipients will still be able to purchase with every penny of support but will be able to spend on healthy and nutritious food. And they could still purchase soda if they choose — just not with taxpayer dollars.”