Food stamp benefits

[CobraBubbles]

Sorry you went through a bad patch.

But designer clothes. Like REAL designer clothes of $1,000 and up for a skirt?

Or nice clothes, like the kind you can get at Goodwill. Or maybe you've had for 10 years, before you lost your job.
''

I'm still going through a bad patch, it's just not as bad. I'm thankful for what I do have though.

You can keep doing what ifs and maybe I am assuming too much too, but I can tell when someone's had their hair and nails done and has the latest fashion.

edit: also it's not just about what people wear, it's everything...the amount of crap they buy...the abuses listed above. It's not that I don't think 'poor' people deserve anything nice. It's seeing what they buy: pop, chips, snacks, premade food, high end meats that I can't afford with food stamps, and then seeing what they are buying with their leftover money. I see way too much, and I know my attitude is bad, but it's so hard to see this EVERY SINGLE DAY and not get completely jaded.

 

[C.Ann]

BTW, it does bug me when folk on assistance use it to buy prime meat cuts, prepared food (like vegie trays) etc. Why isn't that regulated?

I'm not sure what you mean by this.. If a family of 4 qualifies for "X" $$ a month, what difference does it make if they buy prime cut meats and veggie trays - as opposed to hot dogs and potato chips? It's doesn't "increase" the amount of food stamps they receive each month, so why should it be regulated? Wouldn't it make more sense for them to be feeding their family the best foods that they can - with the money they are entitled to - rather than junk? My late MIL had diabetes (as well as other health issues), so if you were standing behind her in line you might wonder why she had certain items in her cart - yet in no way would it "increase" the amount that this program provided her with each month.. See what I mean?

 

[Magic Mom]

She is saying that the fact that she hasn't gone and gotten herself pregnant JUST to be on welfare means she has more sense. I can't possibly believe you didn't know that.

That's not what she wrote, and I can't believe that that you didn't know that.

 

[BelleWDW]

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. ?"

And you are?

As to your sister not working-most women with 3 kids-their paycheck cant cover Childcare. pray tell what job your sister could have to pay for childcare for 6?

 

[crashbb]

I know lots of people give you trouble..funny, but no one gives ME trouble for knowing that I don't like working for money, and being so so happy that the man I met and married doesn't mind being the sole provider. Funny, how minds work that way, eh?

The difference for a lot of people is that you've never (at least to my knowledge) posted whinging posts about the fact that you need money and then stated that you didn't want to work. Including, I believe, on a thread about being laid off. Heck, most people wouldn't even know that her GF supported them, if it weren't for her lack of money whines.

And, given that her welfare example (of how she could live so well) involved having a disabled child, I don't think it was a far fetch to assume she meant that she had "more sense" since she didn't have a disabled child.

 

[DisFanatic]

FS should be for the families that really do need it. Many times I have been in the grocery store behind a young couple with a baby, purchasing milk and juice with WIC, and paying for two carts of food w/ the FS card, yet when you look at them the girl has a coach purse, manicured hands and feet, perfect hair, the guy has jewlery, jordans and the baby is in adidas etc, then they go outside into thier car with 22" rims... If they can afford all of these things that are not needed, then they don't need FS, but who is checking this stuff??? no one.. i think a better background system needs to be put in place, maybe visits to thier home or work..

 

[happygirl]

I know this has gotten into a shouting match, but I just wanted to say that I never said that I begrudge people who genuinely need it. And even temporarily if they are willing to try to get off of it and better themselves...that's why it's there, and fine.

I work at Walmart and it's the norm for people to be on food stamps...I would say probably half of the people who I check out (though I've not done a scientific poll) are on some kind of assistance and/or WIC. I don't understand how financially all of these people can be supported. It is only a matter of time before the system collapses.

There is also judgment against the people who are against the ridiculously large amount of assistance that people in need get. People assume that because I don't get assistance that I couldn't get it or couldn't use it, or don't need it.

For almost a year I supported a family of 4 on just my Walmart income, and it sucked and I wanted to cry a lot, and I gave up a lot, and I sold a lot of my possessions just to keep food on the table. My husband couldn't work because we were going through the green card process. I could have gone on assistance but I made it without going on assistance. Maybe that makes me a dummy, but I think there's lots of times when people would rather not make sacrifices instead it is easier to go on assistance, and not work rather get a crappy job. I have a bachelors, but I got what job I could to support my family.

So, yeah it hurts when you are working your butt off and sacrificing and other people come through with their designer clothes (because they don't have to sacrifice buying things like clothes to pay for food) and all of their prepared foods and snacks and their ending balances of $600 after they just bought about $100 worth of food. I see it over and over and over everyday. If you think it is just a small percentage of people, you are naive. I didn't believe it till I saw it. I don't see how the system is going to keep going much longer, and then you know what? The people who really need it get screwed over. I would never begrudge a person who is disabled in some way, or who genuinely is in a rough situation help. I've known too many people who live off the system and advocate others to do it to not know how it is, and they are going to ruin it for people who really need it.

Sorry that was long, but for those in the know it is very well known how to take advantage of the system. Why work if you can get everything for free?

Wow, You have made so many assumptions it's not even funny.I don't anyone who says oh I'm just going to get on assistance and not work. That is not how it works. In My state the only way you get foodstamps is if you aren't working and have kids under 6 or if you are disabled. If you can't get ajob you go through a program called Missouri works and they get you a job. Second people might have name brand clothing if they are on food stamps from getting them at thrift stores. I know I go to a lot of thrift stores and that is pretty much all they have. You are the kind of cashier that makes people feel bad and make them self conscious sp?

 

[5DisneyNuts]

Just curious, what is your organization and how does your organization determine fraud.? Please also provide the links for your statistics. I think that could add a lot to this discussion.

Thanks.

ETA: I read back and did see the one link from 2005. The other post you had linked the gov stats and requirements for 2009 assistance. I still am curious about your organization and facts.

My opinion is that fraud needs to be addressed in our society whether you are Bernie Madoff or someone who is rationalizing their situation to bilk the government system. To say there is no fraud happening in either sector is being very naive.

Not me, I'm fully aware as are most people that the system has abuses. Just like any system used by people rich or poor.

The problem is that statistic don't bear the "every one who uses food stamps" is abusing the sytem people love to believe in.

In fact the numbers and research bear out a very different story. So if in 2008 (the last year my organization has figures for) 29 million people used food stamps, less than 5% were fradulent. Sure that's still a problem that needs to be address but that's still 95% who use the system honestly and ethically.

A far cry short of the scenario people love to portray here and in the media.

And just want to mention to all the folks who know and see all the "get over on the system people' you can call (anonymously) the DHS hotline at 202-673-6946 and report all abuse.

Assistance Fraud
Residents who know of, and wish to report fraud or abuse of the cash assistance, food stamp, Medicaid or any other benefit program provided by the Department of Human Services, should call the 24-hour hotline for fraud at (202) 673-4464 in the Office of Investigations and Compliance (OIC). Anonymous calls are accepted. Callers who give their names can request confidentiality at (202) 673-6946.

 

[Leajess99]

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.

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

I don't know where you got the bolded info but I know people getting over $1000 a month in food stamps.

 

[momx2]

I don't know where you got the bolded info but I know people getting over $1000 a month in food stamps.

Yeah, she was wrong about that too. I pointed that out to her. I went to the link she provided and it said that $668 was the maximum for a family of four. She was wrong about that and wrong about my meaning in my OP. I don't know why this poster continues to post incorrect information. I really don't like it, especially when she says I've posted something I didn't.

 

[5DisneyNuts]

Yeah, she was wrong about that too. I pointed that out to her. I went to the link she provided and it said that $668 was the maximum for a family of four. She was wrong about that and wrong about my meaning in my OP. I don't know why this poster continues to post incorrect information. I really don't like it, especially when she says I've posted something I didn't.

I too would like to see the facts before making a judgement on the statements posted.

 

[Leajess99]

Just to clarify, I have nothing against anyone using assistance as a handup and not a handout (abusing it). My daughter came home today and said her little friend was so excited because they get their fs allowance today. The parents do work but make squat and there are times in the month they run out of money. For people who need them fs is great but we have a big problem in this society that needs fixed. If you can afford cartons of cigarettes than you should be using that money for food for your family.

It is sad that many children have learned from parents to abuse the system but I also know that there are programs in schools that are trying to help break the cycle. This cycle of abuse needs broken. If more schools could implement programs to help break the cycle we would have a lot less abuse.

 

[shortbun]

I can not imagine feeding my family of three on $668. I spend at least $800 a month and that's the bare minimum.

 

[pandora174]

Just a little OT but my sister works cleaning offices part-time, making minumum wage. Her DH is disabled after 2 strokes. They get FS & have 1 clunker. On occasion I have bought groceries for her using her FS card (I have her pin) to buy their groceries so she doesn't have to spend gas.

When I am able to I have with my own funds used my debit card afer swiping her FS card because they get very little in FS for 2 adults & bought some extra groceries & toiletries. All I'm saying is you never know people's situations. So if you see me at Publix buying steak, chicken & maybe a bottle a wine for my sister & I so we can relax when I get to her house & chat. You just never know, everyone's situation.

 

[MouseLover]

If you get a chance, go to a seminar/workshop on poverty. It is very eye-opening to how people of poverty make certain choices. Keep in mind that many of the people who get food stamps may have limited cooking resources and limited knowledge of how to prepare meals. Therefore, they buy more prepared foods. They may be from single parent working households with several children and the children may need easy-to-fix dinners that they can prepare themselves.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

It's a matter of priorities.

With one broad brush stroke, people are ripping us off. Big surprise...that happens with any system. There will ALWAYS be those people. (As well as the people who think they should be the ones who get to tell the "have-nots" what they get to eat.)

But with the other brush stroke....people don't eat.

I know which one is more important.

you missed the whole point of my post. No one has said that there isn't a place for a system to insure that people eat. What is so difficult to understand about that. The govt. is notorious for being wasteful and for making poor decisions with taxpayer money. This is just another example of that.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Not me, I'm fully aware as are most people that the system has abuses. Just like any system used by people rich or poor.

The problem is that statistic don't bear the "every one who uses food stamps" is abusing the sytem people love to believe in.

In fact the numbers and research bear out a very different story. So if in 2008 (the last year my organization has figures for) 29 million people used food stamps, less than 5% were fradulent. Sure that's still a problem that needs to be address but that's still 95% who use the system honestly and ethically.

A far cry short of the scenario people love to portray here and in the media.

And just want to mention to all the folks who know and see all the "get over on the system people' you can call (anonymously) the DHS hotline at 202-673-6946 and report all abuse.

Assistance Fraud
Residents who know of, and wish to report fraud or abuse of the cash assistance, food stamp, Medicaid or any other benefit program provided by the Department of Human Services, should call the 24-hour hotline for fraud at (202) 673-4464 in the Office of Investigations and Compliance (OIC). Anonymous calls are accepted. Callers who give their names can request confidentiality at (202) 673-6946.

It has little to do with fraud, and more to do with waste, imo. I have seen and turned many people who were committing fraud. It was part of the job. My issue is that if we are going to give out money, provide a system that insures that the money is used for healthy food.

Someone mentioned prime cuts and veggie trays, well, there isn't any reason that anyone needs either. Buy what the working poor are buying. Cut your own stupid veggies like the rest of the world. A small veggie tray at Walmart is $10. You can buy 3x's that amt. for $10 if you don't go the lazy way.

I live in Appalachia, and I know too many couples working 2, 3 or 4 jobs trying to keep food on the table, and a roof over their heads. They aren't chowing on steaks and veggie trays. They are stretching their pound of hamburg with lentils and rice and making it feed their families. They make popcorn for snack, you know, the kind that you cook on the stove, rather than buying cookies. They grow a garden and learn to eat in season, just like their families have for years.

 

[eliza61]

It has little to do with fraud, and more to do with waste, imo. I have seen and turned many people who were committing fraud. It was part of the job. My issue is that if we are going to give out money, provide a system that insures that the money is used for healthy food.
Someone mentioned prime cuts and veggie trays, well, there isn't any reason that anyone needs either. Buy what the working poor are buying. Cut your own stupid veggies like the rest of the world. A small veggie tray at Walmart is $10. You can buy 3x's that amt. for $10 if you don't go the lazy way.
.

But that's a different issue. That's common sense, what people have been posting comments like "don't work" "having too many babies" "wearing designer clothes" that's an entirely different thing. That's stereotyping. And remember healthy food is expensive. Once again, sure it would be nice if they brought fruit juice but a 5.00 bucks for 64 oz of apple juice vs. 5- 64 oz of soda, soda is going to win every time. A lb of green beans is $1.29 a lbs in NJ (when I brought them yesterday). I got 3 lbs for my family of 4 for 1 meal. If I'm on a fixed buget it's cheaper to get the pasta and ground beef which is less nutricious but more filling and last longer.
And lastly, you have the option of getting fresh vegatables. I grew up in the projects in NYC please tell me where was I getting these fresh vegatables to cut up from. Most projects may have a corner "bodega" that sells the basics for inflated prices. Not many costco's, walmarts, sams clubs being built in the projects.

I'm a firm believer that H.S. should go back to teaching home economics in school and making it mandatory. We are a fast food nation. Most families now don't cook. that's why food is marketed to being fast and easy. So why are we shocked and shaken when poor people follow the same trends? all of a sudden because they're living in poverty they are supposed to know about healthy eating?

Rent the movie "Food Inc". Companies and the government make their profit, lobby elected officials, and influence the American diet on what you would call waste and unhealthy living. I find it pretty hypocritical now to blame a poor person on food stamps because they learn that lesson well.

I'm definitely a big advocate of cutting waste, cost and abuse. I'll jump on pretty much any bandwagon that helps that. I just don't understand how saying "People on food stamps are having babies just to get the extra money" is doing any thing but painting the very people who are suffering in a horrible light. The last thing they need is shame and stereotypes.

 

[Kay1]

Just a little OT but my sister works cleaning offices part-time, making minumum wage. Her DH is disabled after 2 strokes. They get FS & have 1 clunker. On occasion I have bought groceries for her using her FS card (I have her pin) to buy their groceries so she doesn't have to spend gas.

When I am able to I have with my own funds used my debit card afer swiping her FS card because they get very little in FS for 2 adults & bought some extra groceries & toiletries. All I'm saying is you never know people's situations. So if you see me at Publix buying steak, chicken & maybe a bottle a wine for my sister & I so we can relax when I get to her house & chat. You just never know, everyone's situation.

I understand, Pandora, but a surprising number of people simply aren't able to understand that a great many people paying with FS are shopping for those who can't shop for themselves.

 

[Colleen27]

It has little to do with fraud, and more to do with waste, imo. I have seen and turned many people who were committing fraud. It was part of the job. My issue is that if we are going to give out money, provide a system that insures that the money is used for healthy food.

Someone mentioned prime cuts and veggie trays, well, there isn't any reason that anyone needs either. Buy what the working poor are buying. Cut your own stupid veggies like the rest of the world. A small veggie tray at Walmart is $10. You can buy 3x's that amt. for $10 if you don't go the lazy way.

I live in Appalachia, and I know too many couples working 2, 3 or 4 jobs trying to keep food on the table, and a roof over their heads. They aren't chowing on steaks and veggie trays. They are stretching their pound of hamburg with lentils and rice and making it feed their families. They make popcorn for snack, you know, the kind that you cook on the stove, rather than buying cookies. They grow a garden and learn to eat in season, just like their families have for years.

What the working poor are buying varies considerably from place to place and situation to situation, though. Most of the working poor I know eat a LOT of processed and packaged foods, because they're working long hours while trying to be effective/involved parents, and cooking from scratch is one of the first things to give when there is a time crunch. Urban poverty looks very different from rural poverty that way - poor because you're unemployed lends itself to cooking and gardening and other money saving endeavors much more readily than poor because you're working two jobs but the cost of living is so high that you still can't make ends meet. And poor with two parents in the home is very different from poor as a single parent.