An online influencer has ignited a fierce discussion after suggesting that the government should provide “prison loaf” to those in need instead of SNAP benefits for food.
Diane Yap went viral for proposing Nutraloaf, a bland yet nutritionally complete blend of proteins, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables, as a way to prevent hunger among impoverished Americans.
“The purpose of EBT is to ensure people don’t starve. That’s really what matters. Even if you think that’s important, Nutraloaf can help with that,” wrote Yap, who founded the Friends of Lowell Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for merit-based admissions in top San Francisco high schools.
“Nutraloaf offers the proper incentives. You’ll never go hungry, plus it could motivate you to earn enough to buy real food again,” she stated in her widely circulated post.
This food, often referred to as “prison loaf” or “meal loaf,” is typically provided to inmates as a form of punishment in U.S. prisons.
Though it lacks flavor, it includes all necessary nutrients and doesn’t require utensils which are sometimes withheld from disruptive prisoners.
Yap argued that many of the 42 million Americans utilizing food stamps—whose benefits were halted over the weekend due to a government shutdown—are misusing the system by purchasing unhealthy and luxury foods.
On average, households with SNAP benefits receive around $332 per month, while families with children average $574.
Her post drew significant backlash from many online, who deemed her stance heartless.
“‘We should treat poor people like badly behaved prisoners’ is certainly an opinion I’d expect from you,” one user commented.
“They can always choose to buy their own meals,” Yap responded.
Another person labeled her as a “terrible person.”
“Being poor isn’t something that should be enforced through suffering, you soulless ghouls,” remarked yet another user.
However, some individuals felt there might be merit to Yap’s suggestion.
“Historically, the idea of providing nutritionally adequate food for free would have been viewed as generous, but since it isn’t tasty junk food, it’s seen as cruel,” one comment read.
Another added, “While extreme, EBT should be limited to items like rice, chicken, beans, vegetables, low-carb pasta, and pork to ensure taxpayers get good value.”
There have been multiple lawsuits regarding the use of Nutraloaf as a punitive measure in prisons. In 2008, inmates in Vermont filed a case stating that Nutraloaf should not be served, as the state prohibits food being used for punishment.
Currently, four states—California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York—have banned serving Nutraloaf to inmates.
