Food stamp benefits

[DisneyQueen1320]

A lot of people are having a hard time this year. If your not on food stamps you should be very grateful.

This is the time of year that we should help those that are having a hard time. I'm pretty sure most people on this thread never really talked or worked with people in this situation.

Sure there are people who abuse the system, just like the big wigs at Enron. It's funny how so many people talk about the poor but fail to mention the exectives or Bernie Madoff of the world wh stole people's life savings.

Here's an idea if you don't like people on food stamps, why don't you do something to help people get off or prevent them from going down this path.

You can volunteer at an rural or inner city school showing the importance of working or staying in school. Work with teen mothers, be an afterschool volunteer. Just some ideas

One more thing, I think people who talk about the poor, they do it because it makes them feel better about theirself. See they can't talk about the Madoff because they still have more money or things than them, so being upset w/the poor gives people I'm better than you attitude.

Just be kind this time of year

 

[nathaliabrown]

I did not read everyones replys so I do not know if this was said. I am sad to say I AM ON food stamps. Not proud, but its the truth. I hope not for much longer (praying DH gets this job). In the mean time, DH lost his job last April. Finally this past summer we had to apply. Then I had to apply 2 months ago for WIC. I HATE using these cards. The looks I get from the people behind me and the cashiers just make me want to cry. But you know what? Its the only way my children will eat. We have three, then there is DH and I and we get 415 a month. I stretch this to the limit. I use EVERY coupon out there I can. I can not tell you the last time I bought "junk food". My kids eat very well (health wise) I just have to portion. Then every blue moon I will buy them a treat. I do not abuse the system. If it was not for the system I do not know where we would be. We survive with the help of the system and my parents. And I am adult....sad huh? But its life. I use to be like alot of you all March of last year. I thought everyone on food stamps was just living off the system. Until low and behold I became that person. I know you all do not think everyone abuses the system, because there are people like me out there who needs it. And YES the system does need help when it comes to indivuals abusing it...its sad. But I just thought I would get my story out there.

 

[happygirl]

I did not read everyones replys so I do not know if this was said. I am sad to say I AM ON food stamps. Not proud, but its the truth. I hope not for much longer (praying DH gets this job). In the mean time, DH lost his job last April. Finally this past summer we had to apply. Then I had to apply 2 months ago for WIC. I HATE using these cards. The looks I get from the people behind me and the cashiers just make me want to cry. But you know what? Its the only way my children will eat. We have three, then there is DH and I and we get 415 a month. I stretch this to the limit. I use EVERY coupon out there I can. I can not tell you the last time I bought "junk food". My kids eat very well (health wise) I just have to portion. Then every blue moon I will buy them a treat. I do not abuse the system. If it was not for the system I do not know where we would be. We survive with the help of the system and my parents. And I am adult....sad huh? But its life. I use to be like alot of you all March of last year. I thought everyone on food stamps was just living off the system. Until low and behold I became that person. I know you all do not think everyone abuses the system, because there are people like me out there who needs it. And YES the system does need help when it comes to indivuals abusing it...its sad. But I just thought I would get my story out there.

Thanks for sharing your story I myself get foo d stamps myself but I don't in any form abuse the system I stretch every dollar I get. I buy only store brands and try to only buy on sale. It's really hard to be on the outside looking in I guess. I'm sure there are people who do abuse the system but I think that number is low. Must people on foodstamp do work. I know in my state you have to be working to get them, Unless you have a disablitiy or kids that aren't in school yet.

 

[DisneyQueen1320]

I will pray for you nathaliabrown. No matter what anyone thinks, you are a good mother and that's why food stamps are around. I know the holidays must be hard, put please don't feel guilty your family pay taxes anyway.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Of course you do but Bernie Madolf & Enron also milked the system. As long as there are any type of systems to be had there will be dishonest people trying to get over.

The problem is now when our country is being rocked by a major recession and we are one step away from the bread line, we are seeing more and more people in need of help.
What they don't need are brushes that perpetuate the myth that they are lazy, trailer trash having babies just to collect the extra $43 bucks a month.

I am always amazed at these threads because we get 50 million people who always "know" some one who like I said is lazy and just pumping out kids to get "over" on the system.

Volunteer at your local food bank or womens shelter for 6 months then let's chat or perhaps simply try chatting with some of these women of leisure. See how they feel about all the luxurious meals they get on food stamps.

And, some of the people do know the system because they have worked in it. I know many people who abuse the system. I also know many people who need it. I live near Wilmington ohio where 10,000 were laid off last year. Those people are in need.

I just think that it should be a need rather than a want program. With an abundance of information.

 

[Jennifer in MI]

I did not read everyones replys so I do not know if this was said. I am sad to say I AM ON food stamps. Not proud, but its the truth. I hope not for much longer (praying DH gets this job). In the mean time, DH lost his job last April. Finally this past summer we had to apply. Then I had to apply 2 months ago for WIC. I HATE using these cards. The looks I get from the people behind me and the cashiers just make me want to cry. But you know what? Its the only way my children will eat. We have three, then there is DH and I and we get 415 a month. I stretch this to the limit. I use EVERY coupon out there I can. I can not tell you the last time I bought "junk food". My kids eat very well (health wise) I just have to portion. Then every blue moon I will buy them a treat. I do not abuse the system. If it was not for the system I do not know where we would be. We survive with the help of the system and my parents. And I am adult....sad huh? But its life. I use to be like alot of you all March of last year. I thought everyone on food stamps was just living off the system. Until low and behold I became that person. I know you all do not think everyone abuses the system, because there are people like me out there who needs it. And YES the system does need help when it comes to indivuals abusing it...its sad. But I just thought I would get my story out there.

This is why the system exists. To help people out in a pinch. You paid in to this system and now you need it. Please know that our family will pray for yours too.

I haven't read all the posts, but I am able to feed my family of six (including 2 teen boys) an organic diet for $150/week. We are in a food coop. We shop at Trader Joes where the food is inexpensive. I clip coupons and get free toiletry items at CVS and Rite Aid. But, we're mostly vegetarian - I think I serve meat meals two times/week or so - and even then, it's a 3 ounce serving. That makes it cheaper for sure! I also make all our own bread and tortillas. Snacks are a minimum - fresh fruit, nuts, pb and j sandwich, and leftovers. I think that's the key - simple snacks!

 

[blurrycat]

It's so disheartening to read these threads sometimes. Please, don't judge a book by its covers. For every one that abuses the system, there are ten more who don't.

I am on foodstamps. I wear designer clothes. They look very nice. Do you know why? The Salvation Army here charges the same for a designer shirt as a store brand shirt. Should I be required to spend the same amount of money on the store brand shirt ($1.50 on sale days) just so I am more easily identified as poor?

You'll see steak in my cart. It's probably a good cut, too. Do you realize that is the only meat I eat, and it is once per week? That is because my illness prevents me from digesting most foods well at all. Steak is the only one that does not make me ill at the thought of it. I can still only stomach it once per week.

We have small children. Did you know they were conceived before circumstances changed drastically?

I look young and able to work. I am checking out in my designer clothes, with small kids, and eating steak. I must look like a total deadbeat.

Did you know that, due to an illness you can't see from looking at me, that odds are high this is my last Christmas?

Hug your kids and be grateful for what you have, instead of worrying about what you think others should not have. Life is really too short.

 

[ma2jr]

It's so disheartening to read these threads sometimes.

I agree.

 

[happygirl]

It's so disheartening to read these threads sometimes. Please, don't judge a book by its covers. For every one that abuses the system, there are ten more who don't.

I am on foodstamps. I wear designer clothes. They look very nice. Do you know why? The Salvation Army here charges the same for a designer shirt as a store brand shirt. Should I be required to spend the same amount of money on the store brand shirt ($1.50 on sale days) just so I am more easily identified as poor?

You'll see steak in my cart. It's probably a good cut, too. Do you realize that is the only meat I eat, and it is once per week? That is because my illness prevents me from digesting most foods well at all. Steak is the only one that does not make me ill at the thought of it. I can still only stomach it once per week.


We have small children. Did you know they were conceived before circumstances changed drastically?

I look young and able to work. I am checking out in my designer clothes, with small kids, and eating steak. I must look like a total deadbeat.

Did you know that, due to an illness you can't see from looking at me, that odds are high this is my last Christmas?

Hug your kids and be grateful for what you have, instead of worrying about what you think others should not have. Life is really too short.

\

I will say a prayer for you and your family

 

[Jennifer in MI]

I am on foodstamps. I wear designer clothes. They look very nice. Do you know why? The Salvation Army here charges the same for a designer shirt as a store brand shirt. Should I be required to spend the same amount of money on the store brand shirt ($1.50 on sale days) just so I am more easily identified as poor?

Did you know that, due to an illness you can't see from looking at me, that odds are high this is my last Christmas?

Hug your kids and be grateful for what you have, instead of worrying about what you think others should not have. Life is really too short.

I'm so sorry. Really I am. Please live life to the fullest. You are right - life is too short.

And, I totally agree about the Salvation Army - or any other thrift store! We shop there often. My kids know about finding bargains and find pride in that.

 

[pandora174]

I did not read everyones replys so I do not know if this was said. I am sad to say I AM ON food stamps. Not proud, but its the truth. I hope not for much longer (praying DH gets this job). In the mean time, DH lost his job last April. Finally this past summer we had to apply. Then I had to apply 2 months ago for WIC. I HATE using these cards. The looks I get from the people behind me and the cashiers just make me want to cry. But you know what? Its the only way my children will eat. We have three, then there is DH and I and we get 415 a month. I stretch this to the limit. I use EVERY coupon out there I can. I can not tell you the last time I bought "junk food". My kids eat very well (health wise) I just have to portion. Then every blue moon I will buy them a treat. I do not abuse the system. If it was not for the system I do not know where we would be. We survive with the help of the system and my parents. And I am adult....sad huh? But its life. I use to be like alot of you all March of last year. I thought everyone on food stamps was just living off the system. Until low and behold I became that person. I know you all do not think everyone abuses the system, because there are people like me out there who needs it. And YES the system does need help when it comes to indivuals abusing it...its sad. But I just thought I would get my story out there.

 

[nathaliabrown]

Thank you all for not bashing. i wanted to show my story to show there are some good people who are trying.

 

[delmar411]

It's so disheartening to read these threads sometimes. Please, don't judge a book by its covers. For every one that abuses the system, there are ten more who don't.

I am on foodstamps. I wear designer clothes. They look very nice. Do you know why? The Salvation Army here charges the same for a designer shirt as a store brand shirt. Should I be required to spend the same amount of money on the store brand shirt ($1.50 on sale days) just so I am more easily identified as poor?

You'll see steak in my cart. It's probably a good cut, too. Do you realize that is the only meat I eat, and it is once per week? That is because my illness prevents me from digesting most foods well at all. Steak is the only one that does not make me ill at the thought of it. I can still only stomach it once per week.

We have small children. Did you know they were conceived before circumstances changed drastically?

I look young and able to work. I am checking out in my designer clothes, with small kids, and eating steak. I must look like a total deadbeat.

Did you know that, due to an illness you can't see from looking at me, that odds are high this is my last Christmas?

Hug your kids and be grateful for what you have, instead of worrying about what you think others should not have. Life is really too short.

I am saying a prayer for you and your family right now. I hope you do get better and have many more years with your little ones.

 

[dhuba]

Of course you do but Bernie Madolf & Enron also milked the system. As long as there are any type of systems to be had there will be dishonest people trying to get over.

The problem is now when our country is being rocked by a major recession and we are one step away from the bread line, we are seeing more and more people in need of help.
What they don't need are brushes that perpetuate the myth that they are lazy, trailer trash having babies just to collect the extra $43 bucks a month.

I am always amazed at these threads because we get 50 million people who always "know" some one who like I said is lazy and just pumping out kids to get "over" on the system.

Volunteer at your local food bank or womens shelter for 6 months then let's chat or perhaps simply try chatting with some of these women of leisure. See how they feel about all the luxurious meals they get on food stamps.

Well, if there are 50 million people who know someone who is trying to get over on the system, then that must mean there are many, many who are. In my state you get more than 43 dollars for another child, more like $130. I have a relative who has had 6 children, never been married, and never intended to go to work to support them. She gets free medical coverage, housing, and of course, food stamps, yet her each of her children eat 14 of their 21 weekly meals at school, because of the free breakfast, lunch and afterschool program. Yes, the kids go to an afterschool program and are provided dinner 4 days a week, and they get the bus home at 6:30 and she doesn't even work. So no kids all day, no cooking dinner. Where is that right? Also, I have taken her grocery shopping and was shocked at the costly food she bought, that I just cringed at, because even with our very generous income, I would never buy those items unless they were on sale and I had a coupon. How could hardworking people, struggling to get by, not be upset with the system?

 

[MrsPete]

Exactly. Most of the people here are completely clueless about all of it & are just making assumptions. Based on one or two families they have seen at the grocery store, they assume that all of them are like that. And like you said, it's a case by case basis- the application process is very difficult and a huge pain. As it should be, to keep people honest and forthright. But very few get the max amount listed . . .

Most of my "assumptions" are based upon my own family during my teenaged years. We were on food stamps because my father preferred drinking to working; eventually he abandoned us and moved out of state to avoid paying child support. My mother had only a high school diploma, and since the computer age had occured while she was staying home with us, all the clerical work she'd done pre-babies was now beyond her reach.

When I was a teen, I was in charge of buying food for the family, and I was mortified at being forced to use food stamps. I have no idea whether we received the "max amount" or not, but even as a teenager, I had no problem stretching the money to feed the family for the whole month.

 

[MrsPete]

Well, if there are 50 million people who know someone who is trying to get over on the system, then that must mean there are many, many who are.

50 million people know someone who's trying to "get over on the system" because fraud is rampant! That doesn't mean that everyone's doing it -- no one thinks that -- but TOO MANY PEOPLE are cheating.

Case in point: At a recent family gathering my cousin's girlfriend and her friend had a great deal to say about how one goes about AVOIDING returning to work. It was all about HOW to go about getting as much money as possible from the government, and she (and I assume her friend too) has NO DISABILITY whatsoever. Well, not unless laziness is a disability. Every tax payer should hate what she's doing.

 

[eliza61]

Well, if there are 50 million people who know someone who is trying to get over on the system, then that must mean there are many, many who are. In my state you get more than 43 dollars for another child, more like $130. I have a relative who has had 6 children, never been married, and never intended to go to work to support them. She gets free medical coverage, housing, and of course, food stamps, yet her each of her children eat 14 of their 21 weekly meals at school, because of the free breakfast, lunch and afterschool program. Yes, the kids go to an afterschool program and are provided dinner 4 days a week, and they get the bus home at 6:30 and she doesn't even work. So no kids all day, no cooking dinner. Where is that right? Also, I have taken her grocery shopping and was shocked at the costly food she bought, that I just cringed at, because even with our very generous income, I would never buy those items unless they were on sale and I had a coupon. How could hardworking people, struggling to get by, not be upset with the system?

Ok first you know the 50 million was an exaggeration. My bad, some how I thought that was fairly obivous.
Easy because the vast majority are not like your relative. Follow the link I posted and you will get your demographics.

The average (which means normal or what you see mainly) size of a family on food stamps is 2.3 members so your relative is not representative.

In 2008 the average food stamp allotment was $101 dollars per person. So if your relative is getting an extra 130 dollars per child some other factors are involved.

The maximum any house hold can get is $668 and that is with extenuating circumstances. So once again if there are 7 people in that family (6 kids plus 1 adult) that's less than 100 per person per month. Which equals $4.00 a day per person. I would say that's a bowl of cornflakes and a ham sandwich per day.

So unless she's got a bunch more stuff going on. She's not living la vida loca. Perhaps she just needs some advice on shopping.

All hardworking people have to do is fine out the Facts, not the tv version. It's just much easier to believe that all are lazy, welfare moms that do nothing. Just like it's easier to believe every body who lost their homes went out and brought mcmansions that they could not afford.

Here's another link to information

http://www.fns.usda.gov/FSP/faqs.htm#9

Not saying abuses don't exist but it is no where near the norm.

 

[MN_Gal]

I never know if I should respond when threads like this pop up now and then, but I usually do and usually with the same message.....

I am a Financial Worker in my state and I do eligibility determinations for all programs (MA, Food Support, TANF, Child Care Assistance) and I can tell you stories about the good, bad and ugly but I won't. Yes, there are those who abuse the system.

(*stepping on my soap box now):

For all of those who have stated they know of someone who is abusing assistance of ANY kind, by not reporting it as fraud to your state welfare fraud hotline, then you are enabling them to contiue and really should not keep complaining about them abusing the system. In my state, when a report to the fraud hotline comes in, we MUST follow up on the report. Even though you might not "see" how your report makes a difference, there are MANY times when it does. (Sometimes criminal charges, overpayments of benefits received that they weren't entitled to or reduction of benefits) I can not stress enough how important it is to report anyone who you think is frauduently abusing assistance, even if it is a family member. If you don't report it, then you shouldn't be able to complain about it.

(*Stepping off my soapbox now)

All of these programs are available to ANYONE who qualifies. I always encourage anyone who thinks they might qualify to apply for the benefits that they would be entitled to.

And as previous posters have said....sterotyping is so easy, but we all need to remember that not all public assistance recipients can be lumped into one category. Please don't make assumptions across the board.

 

[momx2]

Ok first you know the 50 million was an exaggeration. My bad, some how I thought that was fairly obivous.
Easy because the vast majority are not like your relative. Follow the link I posted and you will get your demographics.

The average (which means normal or what you see mainly) size of a family on food stamps is 2.3 members so your relative is not representative.

In 2008 the average food stamp allotment was $101 dollars per person. So if your relative is getting an extra 130 dollars per child some other factors are involved.

The maximum any house hold can get is $668 and that is with extenuating circumstances. So once again if there are 7 people in that family (6 kids plus 1 adult) that's less than 100 per person per month. Which equals $4.00 a day per person. I would say that's a bowl of cornflakes and a ham sandwich per day.

So unless she's got a bunch more stuff going on. She's not living la vida loca. Perhaps she just needs some advice on shopping.

All hardworking people have to do is fine out the Facts, not the tv version. It's just much easier to believe that all are lazy, welfare moms that do nothing. Just like it's easier to believe every body who lost their homes went out and brought mcmansions that they could not afford.

Here's another link to information

http://www.fns.usda.gov/FSP/faqs.htm#9

Not saying abuses don't exist but it is no where near the norm.

An individual household's SNAP allotment is equal to the maximum allotment for that household's size, less 30 percent of the household's net income. Households with no countable income receive the maximum allotment ($668 per month in Fiscal Year 2010 for a household of four people). Allotment levels are higher for Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, reflecting higher food prices in those areas.

Just wanted to point out that the $668 is the maximum for a family of 4, not for a larger family.

I also wanted to say one more time that I did not start this thread to debate foodstamps. Once upon a time I was a benefit worker that did intakes for AFDC and Foodstamps. I now work with the poor for a living in another capacity. I believe in the foodstamp program. My shock was at the amount. I realize that amount is if there is no income coming in the home, but my point is that the government is basically telling me that is the amount it beleives necessary to feed my family properly. That was my entire point of this thread. I wondered what others thought about that.

 

[summerrluvv]

Blurrycat and Nathalia (and anyone else I missed skimming through the posts), I hope things turn around for you