Food stamp benefits

[Colleen27]

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 agree wholeheartedly. The book Food Inc is even better than the movie IMO, and I'd recommend The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food as well. Our whole system, from production to funding to marketing, is set up to promote the very things we complain about the poor buying into, but the anger/outrage is always directed at the poor and seldom at the system. It will take a major cultural shift to get back to the ideas of growing food, cooking from scratch, and eating seasonally, and that kind of shift won't (and probably can't) be dictated from top down because of the influence of various groups. It needs to be a grassroots idea, and it is in some places - urban agriculture is catching on in many areas, despite political/bureaucratic obstacles, and that's a first small step in the right direction.

 

[Colleen27]

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.

Did you ever think that maybe the reason you see so many people on assistance is because you work in a store known for low prices? I'm pretty sure if you asked your average Trader Joes or Whole Foods cashier, they'd say they see a very, very small percentage of customers using food stamps. But people with limited funds are going to be more inclined to shop cheaper stores when possible.

 

[tlens]

ISure 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.

.

Yes, because we know that people purposefully get pregnant with the hopes their child is disabled so they can get free money.

Please. That is one of the most ignorant things I have ever read. As someone who has a disabled brother, shouldn't you have more compassion and empathy for parents who are taking the best care of the child they have. Parents who put their lives on hold so to give all they can to that child? To try to make that child's life as normal as they can. Maybe you could just give over the care of your child to some agency so they can take care of his needs but your mom did the best she could for your brother and you should be ashamed of yourself for your oh so superior view of the situation.

You had better hope your child in the picture you have in your signature doesn't one day give up on you when you are in a home with dementia.

 

[blurrycat]

I don't know how to quote multiple posts, but wanted to thank all of you who offered your prayers and well wishes. They're much needed and much appreciated.

To all of those struggling, you're incredibly strong people. I hope it turns around for you.

I'd also like to add a little story for those who think it is easy for so many getting government assistance. The USDA has food giveaways here. They happen every few months and are directed at those with ebt cards. The type of food is pretty much the same each time.

Well, the weekend before Thanksgiving we had another. I was in line at 5 am, for an 8 am start time, and was about 150 people back. By 7 the line was at least 400 long. It was in the 40s, and windy, that day. The food given away was two whole chickens, some canned beef stew, a can of pork, fifteen cans of vegetables, a bag of oatmeal, a jar of peanut butter, and a bag of peanuts.

All of us were grateful, and all of us were happy for the assistance. However, no part of standing in line was fun. Nobody grumbled or complained. Would you think 3 hours in line in the cold, plus another hour to get through to receive the food, would be worth it for what was received? We all did.

Being poor is not glamourous. You see the ones abusing the system because they are more vocal. The vast majority quietly and humbly use the assistance because they need it. You won't see them because they don't stand out.

 

[sueh]

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..

Yes there are people that abuse the system I will agree but comments like this really irritate me. Yes, I am on food stamps because I lost my job and I am a single mom of 2 girls. This is a temporary situation for me. I am sure that if you were behind me in the grocery store then you would say the same thing about me. I dress nicely, drive a nice car and yes I carry a coach purse. My girls are always dressed well.
You know what?? I purchased these things when I was working. I had no idea that my place of employment was going to close their doors and we would all be unemployed. Also, I shop at thrift stores and I am blessed that I have some great friends and family that give great gifts.
So please don't jump to conclusions. Would you like to walk in my shoes for a day? I would love to be working and off foodstamps and yes I am working (very hard) to get another job so that I can take care of my kids.

Another side note about eligibiltiy: My friend is a single mom and her husband up and left. No $$ nothing. She is in the process of filing childsupport. She has been out of work for over a year. Yes, she has sent out over 100 resumes and nothing. The unemployment rate here is over 10%. She is worried because she needs to pay for daycare so she can work. And she only gets $16 a month (yes you read that right) for the 2 of them.

I learned that no matter what you think of me while using my foodstamp card doesn't matter. I am doing what I NEED to do to take care of my children.

So please... as others have stated please don't judge someone using foodstamps by the way they look.

 

[bavaria]

So please... as others have stated please don't judge someone using foodstamps by the way they look.

The irony is that on the Community Board people are talking about shopping at Goodwill or the Salvation Army and how they buy designer clothing for under $5, or those very expensive brand name purses for under $10, often with tags still on the clothing.

I myself often buy clothing from Talbots outlet stores when in America for under $10 and often $5; my favourite winter coat from there was under $15.

If one does have to purchase clothing on a budget, why expect them to only buy the ugly, no name clothing? Well made clothing may be more expensive new, but it lasts far longer than the cheap disposable clothing sold in many retail stores.

Those shoppers who are finding brand name, quality clothing for cheap shouldn't be mocked for making wise purchasing decisions.

My heart goes out to every one posting here who is struggling, but I am saddened by the number of cashiers and customers here who feel the need to post such judgemental and rude statements without knowing the full picture. None of us need to know anyone's personal situation.

 

[crashbb]

I know that we must have some form of food stamps here (Ontario) but I have never noticed if the person in front of me used them. I shop in areas where there are definitely people on public assistance (so it isn't likely that I've just never been behind someone on assistance), I've just never noticed. I couldn't tell you what type of debit card someone was using (it sounds like many of the "food stamp" systems use debit card like things), so I couldn't tell you if they were using a "food stamp" one.

How is it that everyone else seems to know when the person in front of them is using food stamps?

 

[Missy1961]

I know that we must have some form of food stamps here (Ontario) but I have never noticed if the person in front of me used them. I shop in areas where there are definitely people on public assistance (so it isn't likely that I've just never been behind someone on assistance), I've just never noticed. I couldn't tell you what type of debit card someone was using (it sounds like many of the "food stamp" systems use debit card like things), so I couldn't tell you if they were using a "food stamp" one.

How is it that everyone else seems to know when the person in front of them is using food stamps?

I don't get that either. Around here, it is an electronic card that is swiped like a credit or debit card. I wouldn't know what the customer is using. I always look the other way when people swipe their cards.

 

[wdwfan16]

I know that we must have some form of food stamps here (Ontario) but I have never noticed if the person in front of me used them. I shop in areas where there are definitely people on public assistance (so it isn't likely that I've just never been behind someone on assistance), I've just never noticed. I couldn't tell you what type of debit card someone was using (it sounds like many of the "food stamp" systems use debit card like things), so I couldn't tell you if they were using a "food stamp" one.

How is it that everyone else seems to know when the person in front of them is using food stamps?

Around here the card is a CC size card that is bright green with three large letters, EBT, on it. It is hard to miss if you are standing behind your cart and have unloaded it already. Add to it that there is usually a cash transaction too, for stuff not covered, and it is easy to notice even when you are just standing in line.

 

[Spoodleink]

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 don'y have to be mooching off the goverment to be considered a mooch. I don't think providing 24/7 care for a disabled child is abusing the system. Why is ok for you not to work but not your Mom ? From what you said your mom appears to have spent years contributing to her family by taking care of your brother. Do you know the amount of work involved and the physical and mental stress in being the primary caregiver for a disabled child. How pray tell do you contribute to your family ? Bumbershoot is taking care of a child not just sitting around doing god knows what all day. You don't work and have no interest in it , do you go to school , take care of the house , volunteer ? Or do you spend the day dising ?

I also don't think you really understand how SSI and the child tax credit work. It's extremly hard to get permanent disabilty. They don't just hand it out willy nilly. And I also think it would be very hard to raise a child on $500.00 a month plus a $2000.00 tax refund. I'm sure your sister struggles with 6 young children and two with fragile X. You should count yourself lucky not wish for a disabled child so you can live off the goverment.

P.S. I don't consider food stamps and SSI mooching off the goverment. I've seen how people on food stamps and SSI live and it's not fun.

 

[KirstenB]

You don'y have to be mooching off the goverment to be considered a mooch. I don't think providing 24/7 care for a disabled child is abusing the system. Why is ok for you not to work but not your Mom ? From what you said your mom appears to have spent years contributing to her family by taking care of your brother. Do you know the amount of work involved and the physical and mental stress in being the primary caregiver for a disabled child. How pray tell do you contribute to your family ? Bumbershoot is taking care of a child not just sitting around doing god knows what all day. You don't work and have no interest in it , do you go to school , take care of the house , volunteer ? Or do you spend the day dising ?

I also don't think you really understand how SSI and the child tax credit work. It's extremly hard to get permanent disabilty. They don't just hand it out willy nilly. And I also think it would be very hard to raise a child on $500.00 a month plus a $2000.00 tax refund. I'm sure your sister struggles with 6 young children and two with fragile X. You should count yourself lucky not wish for a disabled child so you can live off the goverment.

P.S. I don't consider food stamps and SSI mooching off the goverment. I've seen how people on food stamps and SSI live and it's not fun.

Amen. Fragile X is a wicked disorder. I can't even imagine having 2 kids with it.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Thankfully I am not cursed with the situational awareness (or the eyesight) necessary to determine the form of currency tendered by those ahead of me in the checkout line. Further, I don't pay attention. I notice sharp dressers, but only for future possible wardrobe choices for myself. Why yes, it IS all about me.

On a semi-related topic: This morning I participated in my company's "Snowball Express" where families of soldiers killed in combat are treated to a 5 day trip to see a Cowboys football game, visits to santa, gifts, etc. As little as members of the military make while alive, those same families encounter bigger financial and emotional obstacles later. I am both humbled and privileged to meet and help these families. Their sacrifices keep us free to moan and rant about transgressions and horrors, both real and imagined, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day (barring server maintenance )

And... while each of us possesses anecdotal evidence, not one of us knows anyone else's actual situation other than that brief snippet you happen to witness while at the checkout stand. I would suggest picking up a trashy tabloid and perusing the 'truths' found there before relying on your assumptions with regard to that family ahead of you....

Peace out!

Around here the card is a CC size card that is bright green with three large letters, EBT, on it. It is hard to miss if you are standing behind your cart and have unloaded it already. Add to it that there is usually a cash transaction too, for stuff not covered, and it is easy to notice even when you are just standing in line.

 

[bavaria]

Thankfully I am not cursed with the situational awareness (or the eyesight) necessary to determine the form of currency tendered by those ahead of me in the checkout line.

And somehow I suspect that you are also lacking that unique medical diagnostic skill held by so many here which permits you to diagnose from afar and determine if people are in fact worthy of using assistive devices.

Our world is so much kinder, and more pleasant, though, isn't it, even if we do lack those skills?

 

[allison443]

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'm curious-what do you mean by designer clothing? True designer clothing doesn't usually have logos, etc. so how could you tell it was designer clothing? Could it have been fake like a fake coach bag?

 

[allison443]

Thankfully I am not cursed with the situational awareness (or the eyesight) necessary to determine the form of currency tendered by those ahead of me in the checkout line. Further, I don't pay attention. I notice sharp dressers, but only for future possible wardrobe choices for myself. Why yes, it IS all about me.

On a semi-related topic: This morning I participated in my company's "Snowball Express" where families of soldiers killed in combat are treated to a 5 day trip to see a Cowboys football game, visits to santa, gifts, etc. As little as members of the military make while alive, those same families encounter bigger financial and emotional obstacles later. I am both humbled and privileged to meet and help these families. Their sacrifices keep us free to moan and rant about transgressions and horrors, both real and imagined, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day (barring server maintenance )

And... while each of us possesses anecdotal evidence, not one of us knows anyone else's actual situation other than that brief snippet you happen to witness while at the checkout stand. I would suggest picking up a trashy tabloid and perusing the 'truths' found there before relying on your assumptions with regard to that family ahead of you....

Peace out!

Great post!

 

[crashbb]

Thankfully I am not cursed with the situational awareness (or the eyesight) necessary to determine the form of currency tendered by those ahead of me in the checkout line.

Heck, I work (part time) in retail where I do have to pay attention to the form of currency tendered and it sometimes takes a while to figure out what type of credit card someone has handed me - and I'm holding the card!!

It used to be easy (Amex was green, for example, but now, there are so many versions and colour schemes for each cc type, that it isn't obvious at all!

 

[FlameGirl]

This is one of those polarized issues that gains a lot of traction on internet forums such as this, will probably eventually burn itself out, and everyone involved will walk away agitated, and no closer to being persuaded to change their opinion than they were to begin with.

I don't know a lot about government assistance, other than the fact that sure, some people genuinely need it through no fault of their own, and others abuse it. The likelihood of that ever changing is not great.

I do know that as I've gotten older, I'm less hasty to make snap judgments than I was when I was younger. I've had to eat enough humble pie to cure me of that (usually...no one is perfect)...and it doesn't taste very good. Perspective is everything.

As for designer clothing...heck. I never buy it for myself, but my mom is a mad shopper and treats me pretty well around birthdays / holidays.

Happy holidays everyone.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Did you ever think that maybe the reason you see so many people on assistance is because you work in a store known for low prices? I'm pretty sure if you asked your average Trader Joes or Whole Foods cashier, they'd say they see a very, very small percentage of customers using food stamps. But people with limited funds are going to be more inclined to shop cheaper stores when possible.

I agree with that. I work in a grocery store, and I think FS usage has gone up in the last couple of years, it is probably about 5%, maybe a little more, but definatly less then 10%, or so of customers using them.

 

[Halbleib1]

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?

I agree who are we to tell people what they can and can not feed their families. Some of those people buying prime rib etc. are buying it on sale as many of us on these boards do. I buy most of my groceries on sale to save money. I do not use very many coupons anymore as they are for brand name things and I can get store brands much cheaper than I can brand names even with coupons unless the brand name is on sale.

I suppose next people on this thread will be telling those in debt and or those that do not pay a certain amount in taxes what they should or should not be allowed to buy as well.

I agree I do not like the abuses either but as someone else posted if you know someone abusing the system report them and do not lump everyone together. Many people on food stamps would much rather not be on them and are hard working Americans.

 

[Halbleib1]

I'm curious-what do you mean by designer clothing? True designer clothing doesn't usually have logos, etc. so how could you tell it was designer clothing? Could it have been fake like a fake coach bag?

Even if it was not a fake no one knows where they got the item from. Perhaps they bought it before hard times hit. Perhaps it was a gift or maybe they bought it at a thrift store. You can find very expensive items at thrift stores for really cheap at times. Unless you know someones whole walk in life you should not be making assumptions about them.