Food stamp benefits

[Kay1]

I know my views on Food Stamp fraud are not very popular, and I do agree that there are people out there who truly need them to survive. MANY of them are children, and children and elderly should always be taken care of, regardless of the cost. But many of these children are not getting the food, and if they are, they are not getting healthy food. I would never look down on a family using food stamps if the able-bodied adults were doing something to improve the situation, be it searching for gainful employment or getting a better education. I was brought up to think that government assistance was something you sought temporarily, not used for generations! When a 35-year-old mother has a 17-year-old daughter with her own infant in tow, and they all live in the same house collecting several types of benefits, but no one goes to school or has a job, what should one think? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that there seems to be a pattern developing. But it gets even better; the 17-year-old buys drugs from my husband's cousin using her food stamp card! At this point, her child is still on WIC, but I don't see her breaking the habit once he is eating baby food. So he will not get the nutrition he needs, and will likely not perform well in school. While I would love to think(or hope) that his future looked better, chances are very good that this child will end up in the same position...uneducated and relying on government assistance as a young parent. And don't try to tell me that this family represents maybe 10% of food stamp recipients...if that was the case, then all 10% of them live near me! Most of us know of a family/person that needs the assistance, and uses it as it was intended. But most of us also know of a family/person that abuses the system, and we have the right to want a better system. I really don't see how much harder it would be to limit what you can buy with EBT cards. I see WIC stickers up all over my local grocery store that make it easy to choose the approved items; EBT should be set up the same way. Or at least designate items that CAN NOT be purchased with food stamps, such as anything listing sugar as the first ingredient! EVERYONE should read a label every now and then, whether they are paying cash or using a card.

Your drug-dealing relative accepts EBT cards? I'm truly amazed.

 

[akcire]

I think the issue is even bigger......

It makes me wonder this....which companies benefit the most from our current food stamp policy?

When I see someone younger (lets say under 35) with a cart full of crap, either soda, snacks, or all ready to eat if I am in line behind them I will see them pay with a link card (food stamp card in IL). The working poor can't as a whole afford this type of food. Like I said, things generally laden with high fructose corn syrup. These people then take home this "food" and feed their children. Those children as a result of this "food" are often times suffering from malnourishment related maladies due to lack of vitamins/protein while receiving a ridiculously high number of calories. (Let's not even talk about the teeth). Keep in mind, "food" with large amounts of high fructose corn syrup are also the most heavily marketed on TV.

I very rarely see someone older than 35 on link with the same type of grocery cart, I am assuming they either had better nutritional training at school/home or they have medical problems that dictate their food choices.

A friend of my husband's is a social worker for the county, and he asked me to give a talk on grocery shopping for some of his clients. People who either had no food money left by week three or who had too much money left by week three of their budget. In my class of 20 people, the people who had no money left often lacked the sophistication of figuring out what size is most cost effective, or of looking at a circular to find bargains or even how stocking up on say peanut butter may be helpful. We literally had to teach people how to read a grocery ad. It is funny, he tells me, most of the class members have formed a sort of shopping club where they text each other with good deals.

The other problem I spoke about, people with too much money each month. All of the people with too much money each month were originally from Mexico. They had little access to what I would call the mainstream media, and knew that too much sugar was bad for teeth. They were not spending their money on the corn syrup, but were afraid to buy too much meat with the card. They were afraid to get their family used to eating meat on a regular basis, due to their past economic experiences. Often times they were only feeding their children rice and beans, thus why their grocery bills were so low, and causing a whole host of other medical issues. These people had to be convinced to buy fresh produce,dairy, and meat (if desired) to allow for a more rounded nutritional plan.

I think the original intention of the food stamp program was great, ultimately in a wealthy country no one should starve or be hungry; however the "food" that is being sold is not really food. Manufacturers, ad agencies, tv stations, lobbyists all stay in business because of the food stamp program. In my mind it is as much corporate welfare as it is social welfare, and that is the letter to send your congressperson.

**For those of you old enough to remember grocery stores 20 years ago. Walk down the sport drink, energy drink, individual tea, and soda aisle of your grocery store next time you are shopping. How many of those brands existed when you were a kid? or even 10 years ago? They are part of a marketing machine that makes huge profits. Remember when a soda at a fountain was a big treat? Now kids have it because it is Tuesday or as their regular dinner beverage. (BTW--I do occasionally drink this junk too, I am a work in progress)

 

[marcyinPA]

Food stamp benefits for a family of 4 in my state are at $668 per month. Why do I get so upset when I spend $600 plus a month in groceries then? I'm always trying to cut my budget and think that $500 should be enough. I guess I am under budgeting and expecting too much for too little money??? I think I will make that my new monthly food budget and we will eat really well. My DH may even get steak once a month.

I don't mean this thread as a slam toward food stamp recipents. I just found this information out and I am really rethinking what is/should be healthy eating.

We are a family of 4 (with two boys, 14 and 10) and I spend between $350 and $400 a month on food (just food...paper/cleaning/personal products are separate). We eat healthy...very little processed crap. I stock up when I find sales on things like boneless skinless chicken/pork/ground beef. We don't eat fish. Once in a while, I'll buy frozen shrimp to make Pad Thai (about once a month). I cook extra of soups and easily frozen items and freeze them. I always have fresh fruits and veggies on hand...I only buy what is in season. We don't drink soda, so that is a savings right there. We mostly drink water, milk, and OJ in the morning.

I honestly don't know how I keep my food bill down, but I've managed to! Hey, my kids and DH even pack lunch every day! The only night we don't eat at home is Wednesdays...we all eat at church as part of a youth club program.

I wonder if location has something to do with how much people spend? For those who spend like $600 a month to feed two people, I always wonder what the heck they are eating????

ETA: our bill does go up around the holidays, when I bake and cook a lot of hors deorves (sp!!) and we have company. I probably will spend another $150 this month for those things.

 

[McKelly]

I don't understand why grocery stores cannot limit what people purchase with food stamps. Several years ago, over twenty, when I was a cashier at a grocery store, they limited what people could buy with food stamps, why can't they do it now? It was computerized back then as well.

Just today at Walmart, I thought I overheard a woman in front of me questioning why she couldn't purchase certain things, and the checker said, they weren't considered "food". I wasn't paying that close attention, but I just thought to myself, oh, she must be using food stamps.

So, I guess my comment is, stores should have the ability to limit what food stamps can be used for. I think it is has something to do with things that are not taxed. In WI, we are not taxed on food, therefore, anything, that is not taxed, would be acceptable to purchase with food stamps. Things like soda, chips, etc., that are taxed, cannot be purchased with food stamps.

 

[lspst8]

The people I've met who were on benefits were very deserving, hard working people. They were all either dealing with an unexpected death, loss of a job, huge medical issue, etc. All were dealing with some form of a catastrophic loss and the FS were temporary assistance to help them get back on their feet while they were trying to better their situations. It's not fair to lump all FS recipients into this one-size-fits all category of irresponsible people.

And you would not want to trade places with any of them.. it's humiliating enough for them to ask/apply for benefits without having to deal with public attitudes like the ones displayed here.
Be thankful for what you have and don't judge so much without knowing all the facts (not directed at anyone in particular, just a general statement).

I totally agree with this. I work "in the system" (Social Security), and I can tell you I don't want to trade places with a single person looking for benefits, whether their claim is ultimately denied or allowed. I agree that some people are gaming the system, but it IS NOT the majority of people.

Even if they are gaming the system and proud of it, I wouldn't want to be them. Complain all you want about free food, free daycare, and Section * housing , but when it comes down to it, would you really want to trade places with them, even for a week? I doubt it.

People always ask me if it is easy to get on disability. I tell them that it is, if you really are unable to work. Unless you have read all of someone's medical records, you can't tell just by looking at a person.

 

[AlternateEgo]

I think I need to learn how to spend more...

Growing up, my parents would keep to a strict budget. I think I followed in their footsteps. I don't purchase a lot of produce. I do when I have to, but I don't keep them around because they usually expire. I keep potatoes, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and fruits. The rest is usually frozen vegetables.

I purchase meat weekly and stock up when I find a great deal and also milk products.

I don't buy many processed meals, but do occasionally for fast meals (instead of going to McD) when we have plans.

I do have boxes of mac n cheese, potatoes, and rice though.

I just don't know... I can feed my family on $50 a week. Maybe I'm doing it all wrong...

 

[akcire]

I don't understand why grocery stores cannot limit what people purchase with food stamps. Several years ago, over twenty, when I was a cashier at a grocery store, they limited what people could buy with food stamps, why can't they do it now?

Stores can limit what people buy from a technology stand point, but have no incentive. High fructose corn syrup products have high margin (amounts of profitability) for the grocery store. Additionally, the grocery store does not write the food stamp policy.

I can just see Bob's grocery store, banning a customer from paying for Pluto pop with their link card. The grocery store would end up being sued by Pluto pop and from the customer with the link card.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

But, why should that person who is taking food dbt eat better than hard working families who are just barely getting by? There isn't any reason a child or adult needs overly processed food. Make them so that they cover fruits and veggies, grains, dairy and basic meat. I do have an issue on the steak a couple of times a month. I know too many people getting by on beans and rice. And there is no reason why the govt. should give pop tarts to anyone. How does that help a child?

What on earth does wanting to trade positions with a person have to do with it?

 

[tzolkin]

**For those of you old enough to remember grocery stores 20 years ago. Walk down the sport drink, energy drink, individual tea, and soda aisle of your grocery store next time you are shopping. How many of those brands existed when you were a kid? or even 10 years ago? They are part of a marketing machine that makes huge profits. Remember when a soda at a fountain was a big treat? Now kids have it because it is Tuesday or as their regular dinner beverage. (BTW--I do occasionally drink this junk too, I am a work in progress)

I agree with you about beverages to some extent, but I don't think it's that new. Every kid I knew 20 years ago was drinking kool-aid or hawaiian punch by the gallon. I still know older people who think that's "juice".

My kids drink one small glass of 100% juice per day. Other than that they drink water. Both my mother and MIL think we're nuts.

 

[m&m's mom]

I know what we are all saying is not "politically correct" but I think we are all getting tired of it too.
I am going to say something very un PC. Don't have kids if you cannot afford them!!!!! There I feel better.

 

[Juliet25]

I know what we are all saying is not "politically correct" but I think we are all getting tired of it too.
I am going to say something very un PC. Don't have kids if you cannot afford them!!!!! There I feel better.

Hmm...OK. And if one is gainfully employed, has a baby, then loses source of income (I hear that's happened to, oh, 10% of the country right now ), should the children be sent to an orphanage?

 

[marcyinPA]

Hmm...OK. And if one is gainfully employed, has a baby, then loses source of income (I hear that's happened to, oh, 10% of the country right now ), should the children be sent to an orphanage?

I don't think that is what this poster meant. At least I hope not. I think she was referring to the people who keep having babies in order to receive more benefits, or those who are already in the system, and just keep on having kids but do nothing to get off the system.

We stopped at 2 kids because we knew it would be tight if we had a third. I would have LOVED a third...but we couldn't afford it, and we were responsible and did the right thing by making our family complete at 2. I see some people, on the system, with four or five kids, and it does frustrate me a bit, I have to admit!

 

[marcyinPA]

My kids drink one small glass of 100% juice per day. Other than that they drink water. Both my mother and MIL think we're nuts.

That's how my kids are too. In the summer, I do make lemonade, but basically, it's water and milk here. And I hate those sports drinks! My kids only get Gatorade when they are sick, or when my 14 year old buys it with his money without my knowledge!

 

[eliza61]

Wow,
Another thread where every one knows all the people on food stamps are abusing the system and eating waay better than us.

Let me ask has anyone every spoken with all these people supposedly eating steak and lobster on food stamps? Have you ever talked to them to ask them what brought them to the point of using food stamps?

And for all the folks who "pay taxes". quite a number of food stamp reciepents are working poor also who pay their fare share of taxes.

I hope I never become so judgemental that I would begrude a family on food stamps a gallon of ice cream. I'll let you in on a secret, poor working moms like to buy soda for their kids once in a while also. It's actually the only thing they can afford because good quality food is expensive.

Marcy in might surprise you to know in Philadelphia the majority of food stamp recepients do not have 4 or 5 kids. Vast majority are working poor with 2 or 3 kids who just need some assistance.

 

[eliza61]

Most food stamp recipients are children or elderly.

Of all food stamp households, 84 percent contained a child, an elderly person, or a disabled nonelderly person. Over half (50 percent) of all participants are children, 42 percent were nonelderly adults, and another 8 percent are age 60 or older. Working-age women represent 28 percent of the caseload, while working-age men represent 13 percent.
Many food stamp recipients work.

Over one fourth (29 percent) of food stamp households have earnings, up from 19 percent in 1990. For these households, earnings are the primary source of income.

The majority of food stamp households do not receive cash welfare benefits.

Less than one in six (16 percent) received TANF benefits, down from 42 percent in 1990.
Twenty-seven percent received Supplemental Security Income. Almost one quarter (23 percent) received Social Security benefits

Most food stamp households are small.

The average food stamp household size was 2.3, but varied considerably by household composition. Households with children were relatively large, averaging 3.3 members. Households with elderly members tended to be smaller, with an average size of 1.3 people.

I know it makes every feel better to think of food stamp people as lazy, welfare moms with 7 babies by 5 different daddies but at least try and get the facts.

http://frac.org/html/federal_food_programs/programs/fspcharacteristics.html

disclaimer:
I volunteer with the elderly poor and all these tv stereotypes that people love to throw around are at best false. It just frustrates me to see all these stereotypes flying around like gospel.

 

[marcyinPA]

Wow,
Another thread where every one knows all the people on food stamps are abusing the system and eating waay better than us.

Let me ask has anyone every spoken with all these people supposedly eating steak and lobster on food stamps? Have you ever talked to them to ask them what brought them to the point of using food stamps?

And for all the folks who "pay taxes". quite a number of food stamp reciepents are working poor also who pay their fare share of taxes.

I hope I never become so judgemental that I would begrude a family on food stamps a gallon of ice cream. I'll let you in on a secret, poor working moms like to buy soda for their kids once in a while also. It's actually the only thing they can afford because good quality food is expensive.

Marcy in might surprise you to know in Philadelphia the majority of food stamp recepients do not have 4 or 5 kids. Vast majority are working poor with 2 or 3 kids who just need some assistance.

The number was just arbitrary, but the point is the same. As a matter of fact, when I was pregnant with my DS10, I sat next to a woman in the hospital waiting area who was pregnant with her 5th child, freely informed me that she was going to the clinic, and told me how angry she was that she was having "another f'ing girl"...her words. Nice.

I'm not saying that everyone on welfare is like this, but you do run across a few who are milking the system. Those few are the ones who ruin it for everyone else, and put a bad taste in our mouths.

 

[emh1129]

Wow,
Another thread where every one knows all the people on food stamps are abusing the system and eating waay better than us.

Let me ask has anyone every spoken with all these people supposedly eating steak and lobster on food stamps? Have you ever talked to them to ask them what brought them to the point of using food stamps?

And for all the folks who "pay taxes". quite a number of food stamp reciepents are working poor also who pay their fare share of taxes.

I hope I never become so judgemental that I would begrude a family on food stamps a gallon of ice cream. I'll let you in on a secret, poor working moms like to buy soda for their kids once in a while also. It's actually the only thing they can afford because good quality food is expensive.

Marcy in might surprise you to know in Philadelphia the majority of food stamp recepients do not have 4 or 5 kids. Vast majority are working poor with 2 or 3 kids who just need some assistance.

I'm a bit curious how people are so darn sure about these "food stamp people." It's a card that looks like a debit card- you'd have to be pretty darn close to see someone else's method of payment.
And even if you do get a glance once in a while, one or two bad apples shouldn't spoil the bunch.
I still hold that most of the people on the program buy decent, healthy food for their children. That's all that I've seen with the many families I've worked with. MOST parents want what's best for their children and are doing their best. The mothers I've talked to are happy that the benefits ALLOW them to do just that. Otherwise, they would eat JUNK. Because junk is cheap. Fruits, vegetables, 100% whole grains, 100% juice- this is all more expensive. And they wouldn't be able to buy these things otherwise.

But I guess it's more fun to talk about the few bad apples and make sweeping generalizations about them all (hey, there's something new..)
Most recipients DON'T sell their benefits for drugs, feed their kids soda and chips all day long.. this is all just sensationalistic garbage

(and I find it hard to believe that CT is really THAT different from the rest of the country..)

 

[eliza61]

The number was just arbitrary, but the point is the same. As a matter of fact, when I was pregnant with my DS10, I sat next to a woman in the hospital waiting area who was pregnant with her 5th child, freely informed me that she was going to the clinic, and told me how angry she was that she was having "another f'ing girl"...her words. Nice.

I'm not saying that everyone on welfare is like this, but you do run across a few who are milking the system. Those few are the ones who ruin it for everyone else, and put a bad taste in our mouths.

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.

 

[Mic]

Stores can limit what people buy from a technology stand point, but have no incentive. High fructose corn syrup products have high margin (amounts of profitability) for the grocery store. Additionally, the grocery store does not write the food stamp policy.

I can just see Bob's grocery store, banning a customer from paying for Pluto pop with their link card. The grocery store would end up being sued by Pluto pop and from the customer with the link card.

I just wonder how long it will be before some greedy lawyer and food stamp recipient will sue the government because they are fat?

 

[LisaNJ25]

I think it would be very difficult to feed a family of four healthy meals on $668.00 a month. That is less than $6.00 per day per person. My heart goes out to anyone who has a rough time feeding their family, and paying their bills.

I am a family of 6 and don't spend near $668 a month on food.