Food stamp benefits

[trinchick]

I used to work at a grocery store and I did see lots of food stamps abuses. And yes, most of the food purchased was by people wearing nicer clothes than me with highlights and fresh manicures. And yes, most of them were buying better foods than my family was eating - lots of steak and goodies.

BUT, there was one family who was different. The mom brought four well-behaved and very clean children with her every week. They bought store brand everything and all healthy foods. I never saw her buy any junk until one time she got a bag of store brand cookies - and she paid cash for that purchase, and I could tell that she was pleased to be able to provide a treat for her kids.

I felt like crying right then and there. I do think the system needs fixing, but I'm glad it's there for children who aren't responsible for their parents' poor choices but still need nutritious food.

 

[Minnesota!]

nevermind. Not in the mood to be snarky

Merry Christmas all!

 

[allison443]

ok, this thread makes me feel like a piece of crap.


My husband left us last January. He said he'd be back. He never came back...
When he left I went to the local Welfare office. I was a stay at home mom, to a wonderful 7 (at that time) year old, special needs boy. They said I couldn't apply because I had enough money in my bank account for (thier version) an entire month of bills. Needless to say I was also left with a 360 a month car payment. (ex took the car that was paid in full) They also said my sons Savings acct had to be exhausted before I could get help.

Well I was looking for a job for the entire year, making weekly trips to the semilocal (25miles away) Career link. we even moved back in with my dad. I finally found a job!!!! But the bad part, I don't start my 46 hours a week until January. Yep one full year after my dh left.

So in October, dh decides to completely "forget" to pay child support in ANY form (he had been giving me 350 a month to help with the car payment because his name was on it to) and I had to go back to the Welfare office. At first they said a resounding No because I was living with my dad whom has money.

(just because he has money dosen't mean he is going to give it to me....)

Then I moved back out with my ds to my old apartment, my dad owns the building but lets me do work for rent.

They were ok, but truthfully I was made to feel like a piece of crap there too. I am now recieving 376 a month for food, waiting for a support hearing (you can't get cash assistance unless you file and are granted support) and get some medical to help pay for my sons medication.

At the rate I am going I will have my full time job before child support is granted. Then when my job starts I will have to drop any support from the Welfare office (which I agree with) but will have to provide enough myself to pay for a Special needs after school care (our school has none)

Luckily my dad lets me come to his house to use the computer, wash clothes and he lets me clean his house for money sometimes when I am really having a difficult time. And lets me pay my rent by doing apartment maintenence stuff.

I always thought, hmm this is just a debit card, no bodys looking at my card and laughing at me. Now I know the truth.....

Thank you for sharing your story and showing us a real life situation...maybe some of the earlier posters will come back and tell you how you can get public housing, free medical care and free cell phones that supposedly are so easy to get from the system...
I am glad you are able to turn your situation around. You sound like a determined mom!! Please don't let some opinions on a message board make you feel bad.

 

[limace]

I haven't gone back and read the whole thread, so forgive me if I'm repeating the things that have been said before.

As others have said, every system has its abusers. Poor people are no more ethical as a group than rich people, and no less ethical: some cheat on their food stamps, others cheat and buy a Hummer as a "business expense". I'm sure we all know of folks in every income level that are unethical.

I work with folks in poverty (in child welfare), and many of them have had lives that are so different than mine that it is not fair for me to judge them by my standards.

I was blessed with grandparents who valued education, so made sure their children went to college, even though they couldn't go themselves.

I was blessed, then, with college-educated parents. I also am incredibly fortunate to have grown up in a home where my mom knew how to cook and taught me.

I have parents and extended family with enough money to help my family out if disaster ever struck. I know that my children and I will never be homeless. I've never had to choose between leaving with nothing and staying with someone that is abusive.

There is something called "the high cost of poverty" that I think folks who aren't poor don't think about. When you are poor, for instance, you often drive a car that is unreliable. It uses more gas than a new car, and it breaks down a lot. You can't afford repairs. Or you don't have a car at all, and can't get to the big grocery store that has good deals (going for groceries with your kids, or even with no kids) on a bus is no fun), so you end up shopping at the local convenience store which is the only place in walking distance, and you pay a fortune and can only buy the crap convenience foods they sell there. A Costco membership and the ability to get to Costco are both beyond the reach of many people.

Families in generational poverty have often never had anyone teach them how to cook fresh, healthy foods. Our local Extension Service has done a lot of work on that issue (they, of course, are being cut with the budget cuts). I know two families right now, in the small, well-educated middle class town where I work-one has no working refrigerator, and one has no working sink (landlords refusing to fix either). It's very challenging to eat fresh, healthy food in those circumstances.

And heck, if I had never seen anyone I know get out of poverty, I might think that there was no hope for me, either. If I really believed that there was no way I could ever afford anything that truly made a difference, like a house, or a college degree, or a trip to Disneyworld, then I might be tempted to take advantage of smaller pleasures or smaller escapes: a nice TV, some junk food, smoking, a pizza.

What research is shown is that what makes a difference for families and for children in poverty is making a connection with someone who shows you things can be different, that you can make it, that you can have opportunities. I think it's much more helpful to reach out to people, than to sit in judgment-the judgment might make us feel better about our own circumstances, but it sure doesn't make anything change.

If you are interested (after this novel I just wrote...sorry!), Dr. Donna Beegle is a great resource. She came from generations of poverty, but had a couple of teachers connect with her and make her feel smart and valuable-received her PhD and does some fabulous speaking about poverty and reaching out to kids in poverty. She's really inspirational.

Now, stepping off my soapbox.

 

[disneyfan55]

WE are not on food stamps (there is some new name with the SNAP now) I use coupons (double) sale items and visit a local farmers market for produce and fresh breads. I spend on average about 120 per week and right now are feeding 5 adults and a 1 1/2 year old. We eat well. I really only purchase meats on sale. I guess I've been lucky enough to be able to stock up on sale items and don't really buy anything not on sale. I think the over 600/month is enough to feed 4 (I don't think you can buy some items with food stamps, just food) My costs include all paper/soaps/shampoo/some vitamins/over counter meds as well. (all on sale always to buy)

by the way we live in Central NJ and shop mostly at shoprite some items like milk, bananas-Costco.

 

[mdinecola]

and as a previous poster said, I would gladly trade my circumstances for yours. It is astounding that society has no empathy for situations like some of us are going through. I believe in working and educating and come from a family of well educated people and have been working since I was old enough to do so. Why is it that I am made to feel less than a valuable member of society because of a series of hard knocks? My husband goes to work every morning, rain or shine, sick or well, to support our family. If I had someone to depend on to keep my small ones, I would never have had to quit my fruitful career to stay home. Read my post on page 6 of this thread - I absolutely did not choose to be a bum and collect handouts as a way of life.

Again I will say......I wouldn't wish hardships on anyone, but sometimes think it takes a long walk in the others' shoes to understand. Yes, I have a decent vehicle and live in a nice home and still collect WIC and food stamps - for the first time in my life, I might add - but don't judge when you don't know the circumstances. If we could profit from our home right now, or even unload our vehicle to change this situation, I would stand on the street corner and advertise. Maybe my criticisms of people in my situation are coming back to my doorstep. Don't judge until and unless you know the details that count. I don't think any of you would want the life changing financial difficulties that I have right now.

 

[Dopey420]

Hilarious, yet pitiful. People who can afford $5000 vacations to Disney, but begrudge someone gettting groceries from a program that benefits low income folks. It is worth $668 per month for me not to have the embarassment/shame of using that card at the grocery.

 

[SandrA9810]

My family makes me sick sometimes... I just try to avoid them as much as possible.
My mom has barely worked in her life, yes my brother is severly handicap and needs constant 24hr care, but there were enough government help out there to help take care of him for her to work. Now that he's in a Home, she doesn't know how to be a productive person. My sister makes me sick because she'd rather have her large family, than be able to provide good food and shelter to her children. She gets WIC, food stamps, and SSI for the two boys with Fragile X. She's had to quite her job to be able to stay at home with all the kids (6) from age 10 to 1. And it sickens me the amount of tax credits she gets for all her excemptions. And every year all I hear is how she wants to get annual passes to Disney for the family... That's like 3,000$ for all of them. I guess she's jealous that I can walk into Disney anytime I want... but it's like there's so many better things she can do with that money to make life better for those kids.
It's also sad when the running joke of the rest of the family is "when do we get the call that she's pregnant again?"

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Hilarious, yet pitiful. People who can afford $5000 vacations to Disney, but begrudge someone gettting groceries from a program that benefits low income folks. It is worth $668 per month for me not to have the embarassment/shame of using that card at the grocery.

That's not how I feel at all. I don't think people who need them, should be embarassed at all about having them, and really, if you don't tell anyone you have them, it would be very hard for anyone to know you had them, aside from people who ring you up at the store.

But there is a lot of abuse that goes on, and that's what bothers me. People getting cash back, (and I know that's not on the food stamp side of it, but it's the same program,) and then get cigarettes or alcohol with that money. Or people who "sell" there food stamps for 50 cents for $1 of food stamps.

 

[mommyof2princesses]

The overly processed foods are the cheap foods, though. I can spend $.59 for a loaf of bread full of high fructose corn syrup, food dyes, and artificial flavors, or I can spend $3 on a decent loaf. $.79 for a 2ltr of soda or $2.50 for a bottle of apple juice. $.88 for a package of hot dogs or $3 for a lb of chicken. $.49 for a can of heavily salted, cooked to mush green beans or $2 for a package of froze or $3 for a lb of fresh.

I think there are a couple issues at play that get in the way of restrictions on food stamps. First is the reality that processed foods are generally cheaper than their whole food counterparts. No one is going to support raising food stamp allotments to provide a healthy diet of staples; so long as people aren't starving in the streets, the program is generally going to be considered a success. Second is the power that the food production/processing industry wields in our system. Whole foods don't have near as strong a lobby as Froot Loops and Coke.

This is something i discuss with my dh a lot. When I was little, my parents got divorced and my mom had to go on food stamps for a while. It was a lot cheaper for her to buy hot dogs and mac and cheese than the healthy stuff. We lived on that for many weeks. Spaghetti and sauce was a staple too. It is sad that it is cheaper to eat crap, then it is too eat healthy. I complain about it constantly. We eat pretty healthy, with some snacks in the house and I spend about $150 a week for 4 of us.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

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.

You know what? I'm happy this program is in place, because your family is what this program was designed for. Good people down on their luck trying their darndest. Crap happens to good people. Please don't take this wrong, I guess I just wanted to echo that everyone on this prorgam isn't a scammer just trying to pull one over on "the man."

 

[marcyinPA]

You know what? I'm happy this program is in place, because your family is what this program was designed for. Good people down on their luck trying their darndest. Crap happens to good people. Please don't take this wrong, I guess I just wanted to echo that everyone on this prorgam isn't a scammer just trying to pull one over on "the man."

Yup, I totally agree with this. My earlier post was completely misunderstood, but what else is new? It's hard to get your point across on these boards. But your statement, I totally am with you on that.

 

[C.Ann]

I'm so glad that these programs are available for those who need them.. My late MIL - diabetic, in her 80's, owned nothing - not even a car) - would have been in a heap of trouble without this benefit.. Of course she still ran short mid to late month because she received so little - but then all the adult kids would chip in to see her through - even the ones having difficulties themselves..

I guess that's why I tend not to paint all food stamp recipients with the same broad brush.. Even the food pantries are running out of food this year and I sure would hate to see anyone have to go without food - or send their child to bed hungry - because there were no services available..

 

[mdinecola]

That's not how I feel at all. I don't think people who need them, should be embarassed at all about having them, and really, if you don't tell anyone you have them, it would be very hard for anyone to know you had them, aside from people who ring you up at the store.

But there is a lot of abuse that goes on, and that's what bothers me. People getting cash back, (and I know that's not on the food stamp side of it, but it's the same program,) and then get cigarettes or alcohol with that money. Or people who "sell" there food stamps for 50 cents for $1 of food stamps.

Yes, people do notice, especially when it pops up on the cashier's screen that you are paying with EBT of Food Stamps benefit. People around here notice the card because they know what it looks like and I inevitably end up in a line where I have to hand the card to the cashier because the scanner thing doesn't work. I know the abuse of the system in bothersome, even to me and I am having to use it right now. I too get mad when I see someone with high dollar nail jobs and clothes on who are using it and then see them loading their stuff into an Escalade - it's frustrating. I know too that some may think the same of me loading my EBT groceries in my Honda - who knows. I just know that I am a lot less quick to judge now that I am in the same predicament.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Yes, people do notice, especially when it pops up on the cashier's screen that you are paying with EBT of Food Stamps benefit. People around here notice the card because they know what it looks like and I inevitably end up in a line where I have to hand the card to the cashier because the scanner thing doesn't work. I know the abuse of the system in bothersome, even to me and I am having to use it right now. I too get mad when I see someone with high dollar nail jobs and clothes on who are using it and then see them loading their stuff into an Escalade - it's frustrating. I know too that some may think the same of me loading my EBT groceries in my Honda - who knows. I just know that I am a lot less quick to judge now that I am in the same predicament.

I have never paid enough attention to the person in front of me in line to notice how they were paying. I don't know why anyone would care, and it's no one's business how others pay for their groceries, so I'd try to not let it bother you.

As far as people looking "well off" I wouldn't and don't judge. I have no idea how they got the car they did, maybe they are borrowing a friend's or shopping for someone else, etc.

I don't judge.

ETA - I do agree though that the magnetic strips on the cards almost never work, it's not just your card, it's the majority of them. I really wish they'd make a better card, since that is the only card that almost ever has problems swiping.

 

[momx2]

But what is the intent? Look at the first 2-3 pages of the thread. NO one mentioned educating poor people. It always turns into "I know some one with 8 kids, not working and eating steak, while I have to cut coupons". or "groceries don't cost that much".

What does that do? Perpetuates the myth that food stamp reciepents are lazy, single moms with a boat load of babies. Even the op's original question was basically I have to make it on $600 bucks a month while people on food stamps eat better than me.
Sure the system has flaws but correct me if I'm wrong and our banking system has major flaws also, has so recently proven. But no one would dare think that all financial advisors or bankers are Bernie Madolf.

So I guess my comment is before every one starts jumping on the band wagon of how food stamp recipents supposedly live and eat, take the time to find out the facts.

No! That was not my post and I'm the OP. My post, as I have came back on here and pointed out at least 2 other times, was a realization that I am probably not spending enough on food and worrying about spending too much on food if the government believes that a family of 4 should get $668 in foodstamps for healthy diet. I did not and have not stated anything about lazy people or foodstamp abuse. I suggest you go back and read my posts again and stop putting words in my mouth!

 

[Spoodleink]

My family makes me sick sometimes... I just try to avoid them as much as possible.
My mom has barely worked in her life, yes my brother is severly handicap and needs constant 24hr care, but there were enough government help out there to help take care of him for her to work. Now that he's in a Home, she doesn't know how to be a productive person. My sister makes me sick because she'd rather have her large family, than be able to provide good food and shelter to her children. She gets WIC, food stamps, and SSI for the two boys with Fragile X. She's had to quite her job to be able to stay at home with all the kids (6) from age 10 to 1. And it sickens me the amount of tax credits she gets for all her excemptions. And every year all I hear is how she wants to get annual passes to Disney for the family... That's like 3,000$ for all of them. I guess she's jealous that I can walk into Disney anytime I want... but it's like there's so many better things she can do with that money to make life better for those kids.
It's also sad when the running joke of the rest of the family is "when do we get the call that she's pregnant again?"

Ummm don't you not have a job out of choice because you don't like working? and live off your girlfriends paycheck ? Pot ? Kettle ?

 

[allison443]

No! That was not my post and I'm the OP. My post, as I have came back on here and pointed out at least 2 other times, was a realization that I am probably not spending enough on food and worrying about spending too much on food if the government believes that a family of 4 should get $668 in foodstamps for healthy diet. I did not and have not stated anything about lazy people or foodstamp abuse. I suggest you go back and read my posts again and stop putting words in my mouth!

OP I understood what you were saying...grocery budgets vary so much among people, especially here on the dis budget board where people brag about feeding entire families on $10 a day, so you were looking at the amount that the govt. says a family of four would need to spend and comparing it to what you spend on your family. The thread kind of took on a life of its own from there, as these threads can do!

 

[allison443]

We have several family members on both sides of our family that get free cell phones, food stamps, public housing, disability checks, heating assistance, etc and they all brag about it. Oh, they are also getting it by cheating the system. I am not going into detail about that, that is another story. They tell us what we should do so that we can get the same. I don't think so. I would rather work for my money! There is absolutely nothing wrong with them other than lazy and don't want to work including my mom who also draws disability and has for years. Now I know there are a lot of people hit hard by the economy and really need assistance and I say they deserve it but it is the ones that abuse the system and you know it but they still get everything for free while we are paying for it.

I think it would be a great idea if they made some of these folks volunteer their services somehow, especially the ones that are on it for years and years and keep popping out babies by different dads.

"Several family members" including your mom are scamming the system? Well, if you have knowledge of people cheating the system and don't report them, how can you complain about it? Or are you only complaining about other people, not your relatives, who abuse/cheat the system?

 

[DonnaL]

I am a former welfare eligibility caseworker and yes, while there is a substantial amount of fraud that goes on, there are a good number of cases caught, also. A big part of the problem is the way the entire system is administered. Food stamps are a federal program under the direction of the USDA and each state must follow those federal guidelines. However, each state has a different system for the application and administration, at least they did when I worked there, and sometimes it's very difficult to prevent fraud, especially when people move freely from state to state and don't report, since as far as I'm aware, there still is no national reporting system in place. Also, someone mentioned a high $600 number as being the amount received for a family of four. I would be willing to bet that number is if that family of four has very little reportable income or no income......because food stamps also works on a sliding scale......there are deductions given from income for housing costs and utility costs.......which differs from area to area depending on the cost of living in that area......once deductions are taken the eligible amount of food stamps for a family size is determined.......for instance if a family of four has countable net income, of $1000 per month, they probably would not be eligible for the maximum amount of food stamps for a family unit of four people......they may get some, but, not the maximum. So, bottom line is, yes.....there is a lot of fraud that goes on, but, there is also a real need in our country.....unfortunately, some of the people who truly are deserving and do need these services are too proud to apply for them, as I'm quite sure anyone who has worked in the field is aware........ Someone above also mentioned about people selling their food stamps........yeah that does goes on too.....matter of fact, years ago when I was still working for the department, a young girl approached me at the grocery store (she had been in front of me in line) about giving her money for her food stamp card. She said something about needing money for a birthday gift.........I asked her if she knew she was committing fraud and asking me to do the same and could go to jail.......she looked startled at that point and quickly walked away.........