[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            FOOD STAMP PROGRAM SHOULD MEET NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

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                           HON. BILL EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

  Mr. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation that 
would broaden the permissible uses of food stamp coupons to include the 
purchase of vitamin and mineral nutritional supplements. Of course, the 
Food Stamp Program is our Nation's first line of defense against 
hunger. Each month, approximately 27 million low-income Americans rely 
on the Food Stamp Program to meet their basic nutritional needs. In so 
doing, food stamp coupons may be redeemed for food and, in certain 
cases, garden seeds and meals prepared by authorized services or 
institutions, and hunting and fishing equipment for subsistence uses.
  There is an impressive body of scientific literature regarding the 
nutritional contribution of vitamin and mineral supplements. These 
products are very effective and economical in helping Americans meet 
their nutritional needs. Many parts of the population, such as pregnant 
women and children, are routinely advised by physicians to take 
multivitamins. The legislation I am introducing, so that it may be 
thoroughly discussed prior to next year's reauthorization of the Food 
Stamp Program, would permit vitamin and mineral nutritional supplements 
to be purchased with food stamp coupons.
  I view this legislation as a positive step in providing low-income 
Americans greater flexibility in meeting their nutritional needs 
through the use of wholesome and healthful vitamin and mineral 
supplements.

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