WPRO Newsroom and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The mayor of Providence is among 18 mayors nationwide reviving a push against allowing government food vouchers to be used to buy soda and other sugary drinks.
In a letter to congressional leaders Tuesday, mayors including Angel Taveras say it's "time to test and evaluate approaches limiting" the use of the subsidies for sugar-laden beverages.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office released the letter. Bloomberg has tried to prohibit eateries from selling sugary drinks in big sizes.
The USDA declined to comment on Tuesday's letter. The American Beverage Association said sugary drinks shouldn't be singled out as a cause of obesity.
Food stamps already can't be used to buy alcohol, cigarettes, hot food and some other items.
The letter also expressed concerns about proposed cuts to food stamp funding.
