Health

Articles / Health / Politics & Policy SNAP program rife with fraud, disparity and health issues for participants, government agencies say In the first quarter of 2024, nearly 177,000 fraud incidents were reported. The CDC noted that 2024-2025 data found that SNAP recipients continue to face disproportionately high rates of obesity and diabetes, particularly in low-income areas where participation exceeds 20% of households. By: The November 1 deadline looms as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are set to expire for roughly 42 million Americans. However, issues throughout the program have emerged and perhaps spurred by a tranche of viral videos — of uncertain origin — on social media, questions are being raised about how much of the program’s benefits go to those who truly need it. Pew Foundation’s numbers A Pew Research study published in 2023 found that in fiscal year 2021, approximately 41.5 million people, or 12.5% of the U.S. population, participated in the SNAP, down from a peak of 47.6 million in 2013. The program reached 22.9 million households, representing 17.3% of all U.S. households, with significant involvement of vulnerable groups. Nearly 17 million children (23% of all U.S. children), 9.4 million working-age adults with disabilities, and members of households with elderly individuals were among the participants. About 36% of SNAP households lived below the poverty line in 2021, with an average monthly benefit of $231 per person or $427 per household. Racially, 39% of participants were White, 26% Black, and 17% Hispanic (of any race), though participation rates were higher among Black (27%) and Hispanic (23%) individuals compared to Whites (8%). These figures highlight both the economic hardship addressed by SNAP and the program’s disproportionate role in supporting communities of color. Fraud throughout the program amounts to billions In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that 11.7 percent of SNAP benefits, amounting to approximately $10.5 billion, were paid out improperly, with fraud contributing to a portion of these losses through recipient and retailer violations. Every dollar of SNAP benefits lost to fraud generates an additional $3.72 in costs for agencies, primarily from identity fraud, account takeovers, eligibility misrepresentation, and EBT card trafficking. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, nearly 177,000 fraud incidents were reported across 46 states, with New York experiencing over 16,000 cases, often involving EBT card skimming and cloning. Despite a 350 percent increase in federal spending on retailer integrity and anti-trafficking efforts from 2012 to 2023, SNAP overpayment errors surged to over 10 percent by 2023, highlighting persistent challenges in curbing benefit fraud. State efforts to improve SNAP SNAP is a federal program funded entirely by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) However, administration of the program falls to the states even down to the local level, handling tasks such as determining eligibility, issuing benefits via EBT cards, processing applications, and conducting quality control reviews. The federal government sets the core rules, benefit levels, and funding, while states have flexibility in certain administrative procedures and may cover part of the administrative costs (typically split 50/50 with the federal government). This shared structure means that while fraud prevention policies are federally guided, states are primarily responsible for detecting, investigating, and addressing recipient and retailer fraud within their jurisdictions. Several states have successfully obtained USDA waivers to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for purchasing sugary drinks and candy, with Nebraska becoming the first, in May 2025, to ban soda and energy drinks, followed by approvals for Iowa, Indiana, and others that also prohibit candy and similar non-nutritious items. As of August 2025, a total of 12 states — including Arkansas, Idaho, Florida, Texas and West Virginia — have implemented or are set to implement these restrictions starting in 2026, aiming to promote healthier food choices amid concerns over chronic diseases like diabetes. SNAP doesn’t come without health issues  CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and U.S. Census Bureau data from 2024-2025 found that SNAP recipients continue to face disproportionately high rates of obesity and diabetes, particularly in low-income areas where participation exceeds 20% of households. For instance, in Staten Island’s highest-SNAP zip codes, obesity rates reach 35-40% and diabetes prevalence 14-18%, compared to borough-wide averages of 28% and 10%, respectively, illustrating how food insecurity amplifies these chronic conditions. The 2025 State of Obesity Report, drawing on 2024 CDC data, highlights that while overall adult obesity dipped slightly to 41.1% nationally, low-income groups reliant on SNAP programs like those in 19 states with rates over 35% bear the brunt, with calls for enhanced nutritional incentives to curb diabetes risks. Additionally, a 2023 NHANES analysis of low-income adults with type 2 diabetes (many SNAP-eligible) shows 63.4% obesity prevalence and 55% poor glycemic control, underscoring persistent links between program participation, socioeconomic stressors, and metabolic health disparities. Social stigma no more During the paper food stamp era, users reported enduring embarrassment at grocery checkouts, where clerks handled and sorted distinctive coupons in front of other shoppers, creating a sense of shame that kept many eligible people from signing up. Switching to EBT cards—indistinguishable from ordinary debit or credit cards and processed with a simple swipe—removed all outward signs of SNAP use, sparing recipients from judgment reportedly associated with food stamp use. Studies show this loss of visible stigma played a major role in the program’s rapid expansion, pushing average monthly participation from roughly 17 million in 2000 to more than 42 million by 2023. TOP STORIES In off-year elections, Republicans ignored major Trump wins that could’ve changed the night EPA chief says ‘the sky is the limit’ with Trump’s diplomatic deals on strategic minerals SNAP program rife with fraud, disparity and health issues for participants, government agencies say ‘No Kings’ protesters silent when Democrats rule as monarch Democrats panic over redistricting numbers with pivotal SCOTUS decision looming LATEST EPISODES Alfredo Ortiz: ‘If we can’t band together over key Main Street issues, we face a blue wave next year’ Housing First, Results Last: Why California’s Homelessness Crisis Keeps Growing Mark Finchem reacts to being named in Arctic Frost: ‘wanting fair elections made me a nat’l security threat?’ Restoring the American Dream: Property Rights,

Articles / Health / Politics & Policy Trump Agriculture Department funds Farm-to-School program at historic levels The funding injection helps increase access to non-processed foods free from chemicals and helps children learn more about farming and agriculture. By: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is planning on providing an additional $18 million in grants to schools who want to participate in the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program, nearly 20% of the entire funding allotted over the 12-year life of the program. The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program, managed by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, promotes the inclusion of local foods, agricultural education, and nutrition-focused activities in schools across the country. Since its inception in 2013, it has distributed $100 million to support over 1,275 initiatives, increasing students’ access to fresh, local produce while building ties to regional agriculture. Child nutrition, community food networks Aligning with the Make America Healthy Again’s (MAHA) efforts to move away from processed foods, the program funds efforts such as school gardens, farm field trips, and local food sourcing to enhance child nutrition and bolster community food networks. The program also incorporates education in food safety, summer programs, and farm-to-school initiatives in tribal communities. The USDA’s Wednesday announcement confirms that the 2026 investment represents the “largest total amount” the department has offered in a single year. On Tuesday, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released over 100 recommendations in his “Make Our Children Healthy Again” strategy report. The report addresses some of the most pressing health issues facing children in the United States, such as poor diet, chemical exposure, lack of physical activity and chronic stress, and overmedicalization. Roughly 60% of the typical U.S. diet is made up of ultra-processed foods, packed with added sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats, fueling obesity and chronic illnesses. Research indicates a global rise in ultra-processed food consumption by 5-10% over the last 20 years, especially in low- and middle-income nations. These nutrient-poor foods contribute to nearly 90% of added sugar consumption in the U.S., increasing risks of diabetes and cardiovascular issues. One in five American kids suffer from obesity In the United States, the CDC reports that approximately one in five children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years—equating to about 14.7 million individuals—suffer from obesity, with prevalence rates reaching 19.7% overall based on data from 2017 to 2020, and showing higher rates among adolescents at 22.2%. This contributes significantly to chronic diseases, as childhood obesity triples the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular issues, and even certain cancers like breast and colon in later life, while also elevating markers of chronic inflammation as early as age three. Economically, the burden is substantial, with annual medical costs for obesity among U.S. children totaling $1.3 billion in 2019 dollars, or $116 more per child per year compared to those at a healthy weight. The announcement touted a number of additions and improvements. A streamlined application process should simplify requirements to take part in the program, reduce barriers for applicants and encourage more innovation and partnerships. Despite misinformation, the program is growing The program will also broaden eligibility to include state and local agencies, tribal organizations, more schools and child nutrition programs, nonprofits and more agricultural producers. Access is also expanded to include all child nutrition programs like summer educational programs and child care. Grants range from $100,000 to $500,000 per project. The program has been needing an overhaul. A recent USDA survey found that while nearly half of Iowa’s school districts offer classroom agriculture programs, only about 15% maintain edible school gardens. By supporting such initiatives, the program strives to spark interest in farming among students while boosting rural economies. Previous grants have facilitated nearly $790 million in local food purchases by schools in a single year, providing direct economic benefits to farmers and producers. In March of this year, Democratic politicians and their associates in the left-leaning media blared headlines saying “USDA yanks $3.4M in aid to state food banks,” “Jackson Food Program Disrupted as USDA Cancels Farm-to-School Grant,” and “Schools and farmers left scrambling after USDA axes $100 million program.” In fact, the program was not canceled. Buried at the end of a story calling the program “canceled,” a USDA spokesperson told Little Rock Public Radio in March that the program was not canceled, but “paused” pending review, and that the Trump administration is “making plans for a new funding opportunity in FY26.” Six months later, those plans have arrived. TOP STORIES Trump Agriculture Department funds Farm-to-School program at historic levels Trump administration wants to revolutionize AI’s integration into education with ‘watchful guidance’ Illinois State House Minority Leader: Chicagoans are crying for help Trump strikes skeptical tone on his own Covid vaccine record, policies Trump may be reassembling the way college athletes do — or don’t — get paid LATEST EPISODES Dr. Ben Carson serves on Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, talks about the need for faith in America Ex-Border Union Boss applauds SCOTUS decision on LA ICE raids, says next phase is ‘targeted enforcement’ The AI revolution led by Trump: Teacher Unions fear losing control, parents continue fight for education freedom IL GOP Leader McCombie blasts Gov. Pritzker for deflecting to Trump while Chicago crime remains out-of-control Biden’s Retaliation Backfires: DOJ settles with FBI whistleblowers—major victory for Empower Oversight RELATED ARTICLES Trump Agriculture Department funds Farm-to-School program at historic levels Trump administration wants to revolutionize AI’s integration into education with ‘watchful guidance’ Illinois State House Minority Leader: Chicagoans are crying for help Trump strikes skeptical tone on his own Covid vaccine record, policies Trump may be reassembling the way college athletes do — or don’t — get paid Trump’s executive order to protect the U.S. flag hits at heart of culture Newsom targets Trump as proxy for potential 2028 GOP presidential candidates, nominee Cities across America would benefit from Trump’s D.C.-style takeover Trump to make upgrades to White House, the first of this century Trump 2.0 White House hones messaging to challenge false stories, engage pop culture

Articles / Health / Politics & Policy Despite decades of Democrat health initiatives, Americans are sicker than ever Over the last 15 years, Democrats have reared multiple failed health initiatives that could be reversed or altered under the Trump administration’s health leadership, leading to better overall health and a reduction in chronic diseases. By: Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a viral and heated exchange with Senator Patty Murphy, D-Wash., during a Senate Appropriations hearing last week that was supposed to focus on budget priorities for his department. The exchange between the two went off the rails when Murray accused Kennedy of “sprinting down the road to illegally impounding billions in funding through intentional action and incompetence.” She highlighted a number of programs which fall under his purview that Kennedy has considered altering or omitting. Kennedy’s came back with a mic-drop response that tied decades of growing health problems in America to the policies of Murray’s party. “Senator, you’ve presided here, I think for 32 years. You have presided over the destruction of the health of the American people. Our people are now the sickest people in the world, because you have not done your job,” Kennedy fired back. Data and history back up his argument. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic destroyed public trust in health authorities and agencies. In April 2020, trust sat at a reasonable 71.5%. Four years later in April 2024 it plummeted to 40.1%, according to a 50-state survey of U.S. adults led by Northeastern University’s distinguished professor of political science and computer sciences. Apart from that devastating effect, the response to the pandemic has been roundly criticized. What should have been a health initiative for the non-vulnerable to get outside for natural vitamin D absorption, encouraging exercise, healthier diets and healthy hygiene behaviors like handwashing, turned into a nation locked down, isolated and sick. A blend of federal and state efforts—lockdowns, mask mandates, testing, and vaccine rollouts—were utilized to control the pandemic. But it was Republican-led states like Georgia, Texas and Florida, who bucked the lockdowns and fully reopened. Democrat-led states like California, Oregon, New York and Hawaii remained locked down with mandates in place until spring 2022. The U.S. endured one of the highest per-capita death rates among wealthy nations (over 1 million deaths by 2022, 3,493 per million people). Inconsistent messaging, delayed testing (only 1 million tests/day by late 2020 vs. needed 5 million), and politicized mandates eroded trust. Underfunded public health infrastructure — CDC’s budget barely grew in real terms from 2014–2023— left agencies scrambling. Another failed Democrat health program: former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act or Obamacare. It aimed to expand healthcare access, reduce costs, and improve care quality through insurance mandates, exchanges, and Medicaid expansion. The truth and the outcome are vastly different than its intended purpose. While it insured 20 million more people, premiums and deductibles soared. The average family premium exploded 61% from 2010 to 2020, and as a result, bureaucracy ballooned. Rural hospital closures spiked (138 since 2010), and some argue it entrenched a profit-driven system rather than addressing root inefficiencies. As premium prices rose, coverage quality declined. In February 2010, former First Lady Michelle Obama launched “Let’s Move,” a public health initiative aimed at reducing childhood obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles among children in the United States. In the midst of a growing obesity pandemic, it sought to encourage healthier eating habits through school lunch programs, increase physical activity and provide better access for nutritious foods. The reality is that obesity rates haven’t demonstrably changed: 42% of U.S. adults were obese in 2020, up from 30% in 2000. The “Let’s Move” program often focused and implemented change in individual behavior while ignoring structural issues like food desserts, subsidy-driven cheap junk food, and sedentary environments. The Healthy Lunchbox Campaign in California backfired when free lunch bags were found to contain lead, exposing kids to health risks. And once again, it’s Republican-led states leading the charge to remove unhealthy sodas and energy drinks from food stamps and SNAP programs. Nebraska just became the first state to receive a federal waiver to ban the purchase of soda and energy drinks under the SNAP program. In a news conference last month, Nebraska’s Republican Gov. Jim Pillen said: “There’s absolutely zero reason for taxpayers to be subsidizing purchases of soda and energy drinks. Snap is about helping families in need get healthy food into their diet, but there’s nothing nutritious about the junk we’re removing with today’s waiver.” Arkansas, West Virginia, Iowa, Kansas, Indiana, and Colorado have also submitted requests for waivers banning certain unhealthy foods and drinks. TOP STORIES Despite decades of Democrat health initiatives, Americans are sicker than ever Trump‘s ‘big, beautiful bill’ delivers decades-long conservative wish list, if it outlasts bickering Trump: Putin call went ‘very well’, negotiations to start ‘immediately’ Trump to lift Syria sanctions, give country a ‘chance at peace’ Trump signs historic agreements with Saudi Prince LATEST EPISODES Rep. Grothman voted for Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ blasted Biden’s open border failures & welfare bloat Border Czar Tom Homan touts Trump’s ‘One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ as necessary solution to enhance border security Biden could’ve been quietly treating prostate cancer with ADT treatment for months, even during presidency Retired Secret Service Agent & FBI Exec. on Comey’s ‘8647’ post: “highly irresponsible, what was he thinking?” Trump redraws Middle East map securing economic deals & creating peace, successfully isolating Iran RELATED ARTICLES Despite decades of Democrat health initiatives, Americans are sicker than ever Trump‘s ‘big, beautiful bill’ delivers decades-long conservative wish list, if it outlasts bickering Trump: Putin call went ‘very well’, negotiations to start ‘immediately’ Trump to lift Syria sanctions, give country a ‘chance at peace’ Trump signs historic agreements with Saudi Prince Trump’s voyage to Gulf States to strengthen U.S. economic, diplomatic ties Trump signals no slowdown on 100th day, lays out ambitious agenda for trade, tax cuts and Mars Federal workers are waging a resistance against Trump agenda. It’s captured in videos and polling

Articles / Health / Politics & Policy Healing America: RFK Jr.’s potential first actions to start rebuilding public health America’s health has been declining for decades. The road was rocky through confirmation but new Secretary of HHS Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans changes to reverse the trend. By: Since his confirmation by the United States Senate by a vote of 52 to 45, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will take over the daunting assignment of overhauling America’s Department of Health and Human Services, setting new guidance for vaccines, health protocols, income security programs, funding and implementing health initiatives and more. In August of 2024, Kennedy announced that he was suspending his campaign and endorsing Donald Trump for president. Among the issues he indicated contributed to his decision were the war in Ukraine, free speech, and “a war on our children.” The latter item proved to resonate strongly with the MAGA faithful as they collectively welcomed Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiatives and figures into the support base with fervor. At a Glendale, Arizona rally in August, Kennedy joined Trump on stage, walking out to pyrotechnics, the Foo Fighter’s song, “My Hero,” and roaring applause with chants of “Bobby! Bobby!” from the crowd.  Public now more skeptical With previous differences on issue like abortion and environmental causes, the war on children – his health initiatives to end chronic diseases and remove toxic chemicals from items on America’s store and pharmacy shelves – was a home run with the majority of voters.  Perfectly nestled within the MAGA theme to reduce government, fight bureaucracy and establishment medicine, his website cites a mission to “dismantle the corporate stranglehold on our government agencies that has led to widespread chronic disease, environmental degradation, and rampant public distrust.” Seizing on fresh sentiment that the Covid-19 pandemic was mismanaged and used as a means to overregulate and over-mandate, Trump voters were quickly shifting from accepting guidance on the Covid-19 vaccine to skepticism over that vaccine and others, particularly childhood vaccinations.  There are a number of health items the MAG/HA movement is looking to see dealt with soon. Reduce consumption of processed foods Dozens of studies including one published by the BMJ Group found that “diets rich in ultra-processed foods with increased risks for premature death, cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, diabetes, obesity, and sleep problems.” Despite the dire warnings, ultra processed foods account for more than half of the caloric intake of American households and has increased at a faster pace than consumption of ultra-processed foods outside the home. This is not only a food industry issue, it’s cultural. Iconic American brands like Mountain Dew, Doritos, Coffee-Mate, Dunkin’ Donuts, Pringles and Lays often buy up the most coveted timeslots during the Super Bowl. Food dyes removed This is an issue that predates both Trump and Kennedy’s tenure. On January 16, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration finally issued a ban on Red Dye No 3, also known as Red 3. It is currently used in nearly 3,000 products in the United States despite its ban in other countries. The European Union banned the substance over three decades ago, as well as the UK, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Food dyes serve no nutritional value. They only serve the aesthetics of a food item like maraschino cherry manufacturers who use it to bring out the bright red hues.  In addition to studies done in the 1990’s linking Red 3 to thyroid cancer in rats, it “disrupts thyroid hormone regulation through several mechanisms. It inhibits the thyroid gland’s ability to absorb iodine, a key component for synthesizing thyroid hormones, and blocks an enzyme essential for converting one thyroid hormone to another, contributing to thyroid dysfunction. Along with other impairments in thyroid hormone function, Red 3 increases the risk of thyroid-related disorders. The ban doesn’t go into effect until January 15, 2027, though Kennedy may work immediately to move up that deadline.  Ban Big Pharma from the airwaves While pharmaceutical advertisements on television have been permitted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since the mid-1980s, many Americans have noticed a barrage in recent years. They’re not crazy. The number of TV pharma ads exploded 65% between 2012 and 2016. Why? Drug manufacturers found that if they could pique the interest of consumers and patients at home, they would take that interest to the doctor’s office with them and bring it up with their physician. Coupled with the TV campaign was a concerted push by pharmaceutical representatives who love to bomb doctor’s offices and, et voilá. A customer is made. Reliance on pharmaceuticals Only two countries allow such ads: the United States and New Zealand. Naturally, the advertisements highlight the benefits of the drug for the entire purchased time slot, with a rapid-reader rattling off the warnings at the very end and at a lower volume than the rest of the ad.  In general, public sentiment is shifting away from reliance on pharmaceuticals, even if public health tells a different story. Sixty percent of American adults have at least one chronic condition and 12% have five or more, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases are the most prevalent. These chronic diseases count for more than $1 trillion in healthcare costs annually in the United States. In fact, according to the study, “about 90% of the annual $4.1 trillion health care expenditure is attributed to managing and treating chronic diseases and mental health conditions.”  Americans are sick. And they are sick of being sick. Founder and CEO of Daily Nouri, a company that focuses on balancing all the systems of the body through probiotic health, said that “the American people are eager for answers. Millions of Americans have been demanding transparency into the alarming decline of human health and the simultaneous growth of food and pharma. Americans have asked for, and will be receptive to, common sense solutions.” Challenge the established narrative “Improving health in America is a complex issue without a one-size-fits-all answer. RFK Jr. seeks to adopt a comprehensive approach that encompasses food-related initiatives, exercise, and supplements, in addition to conventional pharmaceuticals