In Sunday's paper, reporter Jennifer Moody explained Oregon's food stamp program and what it covers. She quoted a Department of Human Services spokeswoman: "We do not have the legal authority to tell people that they can't buy junk."

Well, why not?

According to the story, Oregon Trail cards can be used for meats and fish, fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, and dairy products. Alcohol, vitamins and medicines are off limits, but soda is OK.

The DHS spokeswoman and readers commenting on the online version of the story said they've heard about people on food stamps with carts full of cookies and chips, or buying soda so they can empty the cans and return them for cash to spend on cigarettes or beer.

If the government is giving out money, it should be allowed to administer the program in a responsible way by limiting the list of approved items to those with nutritional value.

Take the grains category, for example. Picture the cereal aisle in a grocery story. There are hundreds of choices, all of which are indeed grain-based, but many of which are essentially pure sugar. Why can't we differentiate between bran flakes and puffed chocolate cereal? Or in the bread aisle, white vs. wheat? Or in the meat department, a whole chicken vs. deep-fried, frozen chicken strips?

And just where do cookies and chips and soda fall into these categories?

The goal is to help people, not to encourage unhealthy habits that can lead to problems such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

DHS says the food stamp program is meant to help with basics, not serve as an entire food budget. If that's the case, then let the individual cover the extras like soda and sweets. (KP)