To combat obesity, New York City wants to ban the purchase of sodas and sugary drinks with food stamps. Some see rise of ‘food police.’

The number of families using food stamps is on the rise. In Brunswick County, 133 people signed up for assistance for the first time this September. That brings the total number of participating households to 6,189.

This video offers a lens into one of 3 farmers markets in Bushwick, Brooklyn. With a national trend towards localizing food consumption as well as growing concern over obesity, New York City has put an increasing focus on making healthy food accessible. But many New York residents can’t afford to shop for organic or locally produced food. For many underserved communities, finding fresh produce let alone a farmers market can be a challenge. In recent years the New York City Department of Health has made an effort to bring farmers markets to communities that may not have access to local, organic foods. One of those markets that have seen growing success is in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Bushwick has a reported 1 in 4 adult obesity rate and a childhood obesity rate at 45% or higher. The market here, held every Saturday from July until November, on Knickerbocker Avenue accepts all forms of cash assistance. The market holds public education workshops on healthy cooking and eating using seasonal foods. We’ll follow shoppers Luz, and her daughter Eliva, as they shop for the weeks produce. We’ll chat with market worker Christy about why the market is important for Bushwick. And baker Amatullah from “Sweet, Spice & Honey,”(sweetspiceandhoney.tumblr.com who brings her her daughters Nejmah and Muneerah to help, will tempt us with their amazing pastries. Learn more about the market at: bushwickfarmersmarket.org

The number of people receiving food stamps to buy groceries has risen by 46 percent in Oklahoma in just three years. If the trend continues, Oklahoma will receive almost $1 billion in federal food stamp funding this year alone.

California — California wants to change the perception of its food stamp program. The state has unveiled a new name. From now on, food stamps will be called CalFresh.

Increased need and eased eligibility requirements are reasons use of food stamps remains high. A food stamp ‘debit card’ reduces the stigma, too.

Food stamps are no longer. In California, its now a nutrition and health and wellness program – the Cal Fresh Program.

HONOLULU – Lillie Gonzales does whatever it takes to provide for three ravenous sons who live under her roof. She grows her own vegetables at home on Kauai, runs her own small business and like a record 42 million other Americans, she relies on food stamps.

Video commentary about the latest news including a food stamp study showing the suffering of the middle class, Mike Maloney prediction that oil prices will crash, the two more failed banks, NCUA Seizes three corporate credit unions and Halliburton claiming that BP ignored `Red Flags’ before Gulf Well blowout. 2 more banks fail; US tally at 127 www.marketwatch.com NCUA Seizes Three Corporate Credit Unions www.cutimes.com Food Stamp Study Shows Middle Class Hurt www.kptv.com Payrolls Decrease in 36 US States, Led by Michigan www.bloomberg.com Weekly jobless claims rise 12000 to 465000 www.marketwatch.com Food stamps go to nearly a quarter of Merced County’s residents www.mercedsunstar.com Australia faces worst plague of locusts in 75 years www.independent.co.uk BP Ignored `Red Flags’ Before Gulf Well Blowout, Halliburton Official Says www.bloomberg.com Why QE2 + QE Lite Mean The Fed Will Purchase Almost $3 Trillion In Treasurys And Set The Stage For The Monetary Endgame www.zerohedge.com $10 Oil? Mike Maloney Schools Bankers on Deflation, Gold and Silver (Part 1 of 2) www.youtube.com (PART 2!) $10 Oil? Mike Maloney Schools Bankers on Deflation, Gold and Silver www.youtube.com uspimpclub DEMCAD Channel Tribute www.youtube.com omegachannel11 www.youtube.com