SC lawmaker challenges Haley to use food stamps

COLUMBIA — A South Carolina lawmaker is challenging Gov. Nikki Haley and the state’s DSS director to try to eat healthy foods on a food stamp budget for one week.

Democratic Rep. Bakari Sellers challenged Haley and Department of Social Services director Lillian Koller to join him for one week in eating only healthy foods that cost no more than the amount that food stamp recipients receive.

“If the governor and director Koller accept my challenge, they will quickly see that struggling South Carolinians aren’t eating unhealthily because they want to,” Sellers said Friday. “Sometimes, it is hard to understand the plight of the poor until you walk a mile in their shoes.”

Sellers said he’s committed to shopping for healthy foods in his district, but he added that poverty and obesity is not caused just by unhealthy foods, but rather expenses and access to healthy alternatives. He said a better alternative is to start in schools and keep unhealthy foods away from children.

Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey said the governor will not accept the challenge, and suggested that Sellers join the healthy eating effort.

“It’s a serious issue, not just another political opportunity for state Rep. Sellers to exploit for personal gain. When he implies that (food-stamp) participants are unable to make healthy choices, he insults them,” Godfrey said.