New bill to encourage food stamps users to eat healthier

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An apple a day keeps the doctor away — at least that's what the backers of a Missouri bill to reimburse healthy food purchases are hoping.

A Missouri House panel heard testimony Monday on legislation that would give bonus dollars to food stamps users who buy fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets.

Supporters say the measure would cut down on obesity in low-income households and reduce costs for obesity-related illnesses.

Under the bill, the state would set up a testing program for participating markets where welfare recipients could be reimbursed up to $10 per week for buying fruits and vegetables.

No one spoke in opposition Monday, and the House Government Oversight and Accountability Committee took no further action on the bill.

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