Food stamp benefits

[vroomagain]

Not everyone thinks that way, though. One side of our family is that way. They think nothing of giving expensive gifts (seriously expensive - a late-model used pickup truck, AKL CL Disney trip, college funds for the kids, etc.), but there is a line and they absolutely believe that the necessities are 100% our responsibility (and I don't disagree). For someone who felt that way, the choice wouldn't be paying for a Disney trip vs buying food, because they want to give a gift to be enjoyed, not support an adult relative.

That and I wonder how many people would tell their family members they are having such a hard time? There is a big difference between "we can't afford to join you at Disney this year" and "We can't go because we are in such bad shape that we are on foodstamps."

 

[C.Ann]

Not everyone thinks that way, though. One side of our family is that way. They think nothing of giving expensive gifts (seriously expensive - a late-model used pickup truck, AKL CL Disney trip, college funds for the kids, etc.), but there is a line and they absolutely believe that the necessities are 100% our responsibility (and I don't disagree). For someone who felt that way, the choice wouldn't be paying for a Disney trip vs buying food, because they want to give a gift to be enjoyed, not support an adult relative.

Very true.. And when someone is giving you a "gift", since when is it appropriate to say, "I don't want that, I want this instead" - regardless of the circumstances?

I know many people who would "gift" a tangible item such as a trip, furniture, appliances, etc.. There are others who would give money, and others who wouldn't..

However, the bottom line is the same - when you are the "recipient", it's extremely rude to turn down "any" gift - even if you feel something different might be wanted or even needed..

 

[Mskanga]

I might be a rusted pot... but I'm not the black kettle. I don't recieve food stamps, unemployment, or any other assistance. We make it work with the money we have. And I've never even applied for it. Plus we don't even get the tax benefits of being together. So she has to file under single. My mom and sister know how to use and abuse the system. That's what makes me sick.
Sure I could go screw a guy, have a child, a disabled one at that, and live the rest of my life off the government. But at least I have more sense than that.

** You probably don't even realize how comfortably we could live if that happened. The max is well over 500$ a month on SSI (because any permenantly disable person can get it), get another few hundred in food stamps... And because we're not seen as a legal couple, I wouldn't even have to mention a penny of Kari's income. Ohh then when tax season comes around, file and get like another 2 grand back for just one kid, and I still wouldn't have to work... **
You can thank me later for at least not screwing over your tax dollars.

You are so wrong.....I have a disabled child , I had to quit my job when she was diagnosed with cancer to care for her and she has been declared disabled however she has not been able to get anything ! And I know many families in the same situation that have not been able to get anything , no social security or anything . Your assumption that anyone disabled gets social security or food stamps is completely wrong , I know from personal experience.
And you are sick just for mentioning you could go screw a guy to have a disabled child .....you have no clue what that is......

 

[kbeverina]

Ok... this gets my vote for "Creepiest Thread of the Year"

What's creepy? That I replied on that thread and it was in my list of thread subscriptions? Or that someone has 3 months worth of underwear in case they can't do laundry?

 

[wthchristi]

It makes me sad that families struggling seem too have no right for pleasure in their lives according to some. My brother is unemployed and his wife works as a part time bus driver, they are receiving food stamps to help them through this challenging time. It has been a struggle for them.

I understand.

For Christmas I could help pay for their necessities or buy them food. Instead I am choosing to subsidize my nieces girl scout costs, including an overniter to Great Wolf Lodge with her troop and be sure Santa visits all three girls. I wish I could do more, but unfortunately, financially it has been a tough year for us as well.

Rough times happen to all of us, I wish we could all step back an share a little love and understanding for those around us.

 

[C.Ann]

It makes me sad that families struggling seem too have no right for pleasure in their lives according to some. My brother is unemployed and his wife works as a part time bus driver, they are receiving food stamps to help them through this challenging time. It has been a struggle for them.

I understand.

For Christmas I could help pay for their necessities or buy them food. Instead I am choosing to subsidize my nieces girl scout costs, including an overniter to Great Wolf Lodge with her troop and be sure Santa visits all three girls. I wish I could do more, but unfortunately, financially it has been a tough year for us as well.

Rough times happen to all of us, I wish we could all step back an share a little love and understanding for those around us.

You're an awesome person.. Your family is very lucky to have you in their lives..

 

[wthchristi]

Thank you for your kind words... Yesterday my store had many policemen stop by for a cup of coffee on their way to honor four fallen comrades. Over 3000 police and emergency vehicles from around the country took part in a 3 hour processional, the entire 10 mile route was lined with people holding signs thanking them for their service and saluting them for the risks they take to protect each of us daily. It honestly renewed my faith in people and in my community.

The world is a very sad place sometimes, but we can all do our part to make it a bit better by spending less time pointing fingers and more time reaching a hand out to those around us. Just my two cents.

 

[GalDisney]

At Publix(a grocery chain in Fl) people who use food stamps an purchase deli sandwichess from the publix deli. Grantedd, Publix does make good subs, but i have always wondered why food stamps can be used for this.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

At Publix(a grocery chain in Fl) people who use food stamps an purchase deli sandwichess from the publix deli. Grantedd, Publix does make good subs, but i have always wondered why food stamps can be used for this.

In PA there is a "no prepared" foods rule for Food Stamps, but it seems a lot of prepared stuff is allowed anyway.

 

[livie1205]

Very true.. And when someone is giving you a "gift", since when is it appropriate to say, "I don't want that, I want this instead" - regardless of the circumstances?

I know many people who would "gift" a tangible item such as a trip, furniture, appliances, etc.. There are others who would give money, and others who wouldn't..

However, the bottom line is the same - when you are the "recipient", it's extremely rude to turn down "any" gift - even if you feel something different might be wanted or even needed..

not pointing fingers at OP, but I think it is more rude to accept a gift trip to wdw because you dont want to tell them you can not buy food (not talking about OP but people in general)....because in the end it is them paying their tax dollars to pay for these food cards.I am not saying she should never go to wdw but if you are having that hard of a time wdw can not be that fun...there is alot more to pay for then hotel and tickets..When she first posted she was still at a point where she could get a refund.I just could not have fun at somewhere like that knowing I was struggling at home, I would feel guilty about every dollar spent.
We have a family on on road that is always struggling,the kids have NEVER been on vacation...while I would love to pay for a small trip for them I instead take them food,clothes and school supplies because that is what they need the most.....I have even brought them new shoes because they didnt have a nice pair for school and I HOPE they get food stamps but I do not think they do.

 

[Leader of the Club]

It makes me sad that families struggling seem too have no right for pleasure in their lives according to some. My brother is unemployed and his wife works as a part time bus driver, they are receiving food stamps to help them through this challenging time. It has been a struggle for them.

I understand.

For Christmas I could help pay for their necessities or buy them food. Instead I am choosing to subsidize my nieces girl scout costs, including an overniter to Great Wolf Lodge with her troop and be sure Santa visits all three girls. I wish I could do more, but unfortunately, financially it has been a tough year for us as well.

Rough times happen to all of us, I wish we could all step back an share a little love and understanding for those around us.

You are a blessing to those girls.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

To each his own and I'm not at all saying that I don't believe the stories, but if I had a family member that was on (or about to apply for) government assistance, I'd help with rent/mortgage or food money rather than send them/take them to WDW.

If I found myself in the need of assistance and a family member offered, I'd take financial help for my living situation rather than a trip to WDW, as well.

I'm inclined to agree with you. If my sis was not able to feed her kids that would have taken priority. For us, they were just getting by (minus the treats that everyone seems to think are the reason for living) so our choice was to take them and have a great time.

I've been on too many mission trips to think poptarts are the reason for living. How many more people could be fed and helped if those receiving subsidies were not wasteful?

 

[vroomagain]

I've been on too many mission trips to think poptarts are the reason for living. How many more people could be fed and helped if those receiving subsidies were not wasteful?

How would that be? When a person does not use all of their food stamps for the month it just gets tacked onto the next month. When we got off food stamps we still had the left over allotment to use.

I remember very distinctly purchasing extra food on food stamps to donate to a food drive that the store was having-- and the cashier told me it was illegal because the food you buy on ebt is supposed to be for your family only. So I was wasteful for buying steak but fraudulent for donating food. It is a game that has no winners!

 

[C.Ann]

How would that be? When a person does not use all of their food stamps for the month it just gets tacked onto the next month. When we got off food stamps we still had the left over allotment to use.

I remember very distinctly purchasing extra food on food stamps to donate to a food drive that the store was having-- and the cashier told me it was illegal because the food you buy on ebt is supposed to be for your family only. So I was wasteful for buying steak but fraudulent for donating food. It is a game that has no winners!

Try to "give back" and you still can't win.. That was very generous of you to at least try though..

 

[eatatmidnight]

See that's the thing...I cut coupons and buy the sales and get so obessed about buying food cheap. Now, we do buy some organic and I always have fresh fruit, some fresh veggies, but also frozen and some canned veggies (that's all my mom cooked, I try not to as much).

I think my realization is that I may too obessed with the amount I spend on food. I never buy steak because I think it's too expensive (plus, I'm not a fan of much red meat). I have also stopped buying fresh fish because of the cost. I live in rural KY and for $668 a family of 4 can eat very well. When I really stretch it I can feed my family on $100 per week and still have fresh fruits and veggies.

I'm going to stop stressing so much about my food budget in the future I think!

I understand your frustration and also notice that you live in KY. I was raised in Northwestern KY and in my hometown it would be difficult to feed 4 "very well" on $668. There is a super Wal Mart, 1 local store and a Very Dirty Save A Lot. Coupons do not come in the local paper and going to the next town to buy the Courier Journal really does not save a lot of money. Even when you have coupons, no one doubles. So if I were in that KY town trying to feed my family with $668, it would be tough...possibly impossible if I did not own a car.

OTOH, it is hard to see that a few people have enough money to buy tatoos and cigarettes, but not enough to buy food. Since moving to the St. Louis area, I have seen more folks that know how to "work" the system than anywhere we have lived.

 

[vroomagain]

Try to "give back" and you still can't win.. That was very generous of you to at least try though..

Thank you. It wasn't that generous; we didn't really need it. Imagine going from being able to feed your family just fine for $200 a month and then finding you are qualified for $350! I cried when we got that letter! I am not going to lie- we did get a lot of junk in the beginning bc were just not used to having it. That could easily become a habit and the only reason we stopped getting so much was bc I didn't want my kids to get those eating habits.

A small work around- for stores that offer "free" food (ex. turkeys) if you buy a certain amount of groceries from them -you can donate that food no problem. I sure do know how to work the system.

 

[sueh]

I hope I am reading this wrong, you have a trip in 45 days? I am sorry if you have to get food stamps and truly need them but I would hope you are using trip money to help with your income....I am sorry if I have read this wrong but that is what it looks like.

Sorry I didn't remove my ticker. I had to cancel my trip because I lost my job.

 

[sueh]

I think it is likely that the person just forgot about their ticker.

You were absolutely correct. When I found out that I was losing my job I cancelled my trip and forgot to remove the ticker.

 

[tzolkin]

You are so wrong..... Your assumption that anyone disabled gets social security or food stamps is completely wrong , I know from personal experience.

I was going to post the same thing.

My mother is disabled, but has never received anything. She was a stay-at-home mom, so she did not work enough to qualify. My dad makes plenty of money now, but that would have been helpful when they were raising 4 kids on $15-20K a year and when they had thousands of dollars in medical bills above what their insurance covered.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

no one needs to feel guilty because of the belief of a random internet poster.

This random internet poster just believes that there is a finite amount of money available to help those in need. If it were used to truly nourish, then that population would be better off. It would cost far less, and that money could be used to help the next person, or put towards healthcare. Whatever. There isn't an infinite amount of funds available. How many here have said they are in need, but are ineligible. That is terribly sad.

Childhood obesity is on the rise, and this generation is the first ever to have a shorter life expectancy than I may be alone in my belief that the food they are eating is at least partially to blame. Why should the govt. be forced to pay for food that may kill them later.