Q: Mr. Federal Way, I was driving past a convenience store in Federal Way when I saw a sign that said Rockstar energy drinks were EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) approved for food stamp participants. Why are they approved when vitamins aren’t?

A: According to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 defines eligible food as “any food or product for home consumption and also includes seeds and plants, which produce food for consumption by SNAP households.” It does preclude alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, medicine and hot food. Rockstar energy drinks are considered a soft drink that can be consumed, and therefore are allowed for purchase.

The program points out that throughout history, Congress has considered placing limits on the types of food that could be purchased with program benefits but back-track when they realize how expensive it will be.

“… Designating foods as luxury or non-nutritious would be administratively costly and burdensome,” the SNAP report states.

So, energy drinks with nutrition facts are OK, while energy drinks with supplement facts are not because they’re classified as supplements.

Mr. Federal Way has never been on food stamps but knows a few people who are or have been. Energy drinks seem to be a food of luxury, while vitamins a necessity, but Mr. Federal Way has to point out that if you take energy drinks off the list, then the door is open to soda, sweets and junk food. And where do you draw the line at junk food? Are crackers marketed as natural or healthy, but have more fat, sodium and calories than potato chips, considered junk food? It’s a slippery slope when you start putting food in categories. While it’s obviously important for Americans — on food stamps or not — to recognize the importance of eating healthy, Mr. Federal Way gets an uneasy feeling when government gets involved in dictating what goes in someone’s refrigerator.

Q: Mr. Federal Way, don’t you just love political season? The contention on hot topics, slander and deep-seated competition blends perfectly with autumn’s crisp air. It screams “America.” Will you be at the Mirror’s political candidate forum on Oct. 22?

A: Ahh, Mr. Federal Way will be watching somewhere in the room and waiting for the slip of the tongue and prompting panelists with questions that demand proper answers. Will Mark Miloscia be able to avoid a stance on gun control? Can Shari Song convince the community she’s not a carpetbagger? Is Jack Dovey prepared to explain his federal and state tax mishaps and is Roger Freeman going to address his health? How will Greg Baruso make a name for himself against Linda Kochmar, who, by the way, also needs to grow a backbone and tell the public her position on Initiatives 594 and 591. Yes, Mr. Federal Way also loves election season. Election day is nearly as fun as Christmas — just add cocoa.

Q: Mr. Federal Way, how is working with an all-female editorial staff compared to the all-male staff before?

A: None of your business.

Got a question for Mr. Federal Way? Email mrfederalway@federalwaymirror.com.