Food stamp benefits

[Colleen27]

no one needs to feel guilty because of the belief of a random internet poster.

This random internet poster just believes that there is a finite amount of money available to help those in need. If it were used to truly nourish, then that population would be better off. It would cost far less, and that money could be used to help the next person, or put towards healthcare. Whatever. There isn't an infinite amount of funds available. How many here have said they are in need, but are ineligible. That is terribly sad.

Childhood obesity is on the rise, and this generation is the first ever to have a shorter life expectancy than I may be alone in my belief that the food they are eating is at least partially to blame. Why should the govt. be forced to pay for food that may kill them later.

I think it boils down to a difference in opinion on how to improve the situation. The fact is, unused food stamp funds don't automatically go towards helping other people. It is just as likely that they'll pay for the next round of raises for lawmakers, or a highway project, or a scientific study on the mating habits of fruit flies.

The problem with eligibility lies in the very nature of a national program. The income guidelines are based on averages. We live quite well on an income that would qualify us for some forms of assistance, because we live a modest lifestyle in a very low cost of living area. Meanwhile, I'm sure there are people struggling just to keep food on the table on twice our income in NYC, So Cal, DC, etc. And honestly, I don't know that there is a way to fix that, because if you set guidelines by state or zip code you're begging for tons of fraudulent address issues.

As far as childhood obesity and life expectancy, I think that's an issue that needs to be taken up on behalf of the ENTIRE population, rather than just for those on food stamps. Closer regulation of food additives, stricter truth-in-labeling rules, and better education in the schools would go a lot further than limiting what the small percentage of the population receiving food stamps can purchase.

 

[bunny]

I believe that you are confusing a social market economy with political socialism.

I have certainly spent enough time working in America (as well as much of the rest of the world) to understand the differences between Germany and America and to be able to make at least some intelligent comments here.

I was referring to a social market economy and to the fact that your taxes are much higher than ours. In exchange for higher taxes, you do get more benefits such as free health care and college tuition. I also was not insinuating that you were not making intelligent comments. In fact I stated quite the opposite. But I will stand behind my argument that Americans in general would prefer less taxation. Unfortunately social programs are funded from taxes, so it is a tough task to make sure that resources are used wisely.

 

[Colleen27]

My comments are exactly that comments. I commend you for all you do, and I can imagine that it is super tough. All I am saying is that if I were in that situation, I would sell the luxury items like a coach purse that I bought when I worked, knowing that one purse alone can get me $300 bucks.. That's $300 bucks to feed the kids, buy clothes etc. Then when I get a job again, I would re-buy the purse that I needed to sell for that temporary time. Obviously, someone that is really struggling would sell stuff they have, to be able to live and that is from experience. There was a time in the past that all we had was $20 bucks and had to pawn our jewelry to be able to pay for gas.... Just a thought...

People pay $300 for used Coach bags? The one I have cost me $20 at a consignment shop. Around here, the market for used *anything* is terrible (other than gold, because that's governed by the commodities market), because so many people are trying to sell their stuff to make ends meet. I called on an ad for a $100 42" Sony LCD TV a couple of weeks ago thinking it would make a nice gift for DH; the woman selling it said she had started out asking $150 and didn't get any takers, and she really wanted to sell it in time to buy some Christmas gifts for her kids. Our boiler went out, which nixed me getting it as a surprise for DH, but the conversation with her really drove home how bad this holiday season has been/will be for many families that are accustomed to a fairly comfortable middle class life.

 

[Colleen27]

I often wonder why food producers like Maggi, Knorr, and Ferrero reformulate their products for the American market and add so many chemicals, corn syrup, colouring, trans fats, and other things not found in their products in the rest of the world. I cannot imagine that someone just decides to add them; it must be a case of demand or regional tastes which drives that decision.

It is a conditioned demand. Unless you're shopping higher-end stores/brands here, food additives, coloring, trans-fats and high fructose corn syrup are what you get. It is pretty much all my generation and younger have ever known - a few of us reminisce about how ketchup or Coke used to taste better when we were kids, but very few realize why and many deny there is any difference at all. With the realization that additives were cheaper than natural ingredients, they pretty much saturated everything available in mainstream American groceries, a trend that is just now starting to lose its grip as a small but vocal and growing number of people are deliberately choosing to eat less processed products. So while it did start as someone (or more accurately, a handful of someones at a few of the largest food companies) deciding to add them, now the average American's palate is so used to those things that the absence of them is off-putting.

 

[luvsJack]

I also don't have the time to sit around, rather stand around in a grocery store and worry about how the person in front of me is paying for the THEIR food and what THEY are buying, what THEY are wearing and what car THEY are hopping in when they're done. Who the flip does this???

I guess if you're paying for food with food stamps you're suppose to look dirty, have clothes that are ill fitting with holes in them and you're suppose to wear a sign on you that reads "I'm a big, fat, lazy bumb that has too many kids to support and I don't want a job".

Some of you kind hearted people are a joke all this in the season we're suppose to be a little kinder to one another to boot! Sheesh

T.

I agree with most everything you said. I have no clue how the person in front of me is paying for their food--I am too busy trying to get mine out of the buggy!! And I cannot imagine watching someone I don't know long enough to know what car they get in when they leave the store.

I have been on food stamps and me and my kids still dressed well. I was wearing clothes that I bought when I was still married (ex worked offshore and made a very good living) and my parents bought a lot of my kids clothes. I had a decent car because my dad helped me shop around and get a good car for a good price and he kept it running for me (mechanic was one of my dad's many talents). And, btw, my mom and dad took me and the kids to wdw--so trips do get gifted to those that could not possibly afford it otherwise.

Working with a lot of young, single parents that are students, I have discovered that their appearance is very important to them. Many of them are very determined to not look broke and for their kids to look a certain way. I have heard them say "no one is going to look at my baby and think we don't have any money". So they buy the more expensive brands at TJ Maxx or the good will store or wherever and they buy knock-off coach purses (there is a place to buy these just down the road from the school) and always have new shoes on. The are just as diligent in getting good buys and cheap prices as anyone, but they will only buy certain brands and things that look expensive. I remember being that broke and not wanting to look like it. I wanted a least one good piece of jewelery to wear around certain people or a nice pair of boots that looked expensive to wear to all the family Christmas things. Its not fun to look like the poor, country cousin.

Unless you see how the person buys these clothes and purses and shoes, you shouldn't judge. You just don't know what is going on in their lives or what went on before this month that they qualify for stamps. Just because they qualify this month, doesn't mean they will qualify next month or that they qualified last month.


Oh, and the poster that said she couldn't buy food with stamps and then donate them is entirely correct. When my parents owned a small grocery store and did a food drive they had to police this. It would be the same thing as buying food with food stamps and then giving the food to Aunt Sally or Jane down the street. Its not legal.

 

[rumrunnergirl]

.

 

[Free4Life11]

I think $600 is way too much. On the other hand, in Florida, unemployment compensation pays a max of $275 per week - try paying your bills on that!

You're kidding me! I live in Florida and am going to be laid off within the next 5 months or so...is it really that low??

 

[Kay1]

You're kidding me! I live in Florida and am going to be laid off within the next 5 months or so...is it really that low??

Yes, RumRunnerGirl is correct. It's that low.

 

[wdwfan16]

You're kidding me! I live in Florida and am going to be laid off within the next 5 months or so...is it really that low??

Do you have dependants? Some states give a little more for each dependant but there is a max you can get. I am not sure of the rules in FL.

 

[Kay1]

Do you have dependants? Some states give a little more for each dependant but there is a max you can get. I am not sure of the rules in FL.

We don't have that here. Here's an article that mentions that and compares the amount of benefits received in Florida compared to other states.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flzunemployment0616sbjun16,0,7968154.story

 

[Heidict]

I also don't have the time to sit around, rather stand around in a grocery store and worry about how the person in front of me is paying for the THEIR food and what THEY are buying, what THEY are wearing and what car THEY are hopping in when they're done. Who the flip does this???

I guess if you're paying for food with food stamps you're suppose to look dirty, have clothes that are ill fitting with holes in them and you're suppose to wear a sign on you that reads "I'm a big, fat, lazy bumb that has too many kids to support and I don't want a job".

Some of you kind hearted people are a joke all this in the season we're suppose to be a little kinder to one another to boot! Sheesh

T.

Thank you for saying what I had running through my head while reading this thread!!!

People never cease to amaze me. Judgemental fools, who, but for the grace of God, could one day be in the same position.

 

[jodifla]

no one needs to feel guilty because of the belief of a random internet poster.

This random internet poster just believes that there is a finite amount of money available to help those in need. If it were used to truly nourish, then that population would be better off. It would cost far less, and that money could be used to help the next person, or put towards healthcare. Whatever. There isn't an infinite amount of funds available. How many here have said they are in need, but are ineligible. That is terribly sad.

Childhood obesity is on the rise, and this generation is the first ever to have a shorter life expectancy than I may be alone in my belief that the food they are eating is at least partially to blame. Why should the govt. be forced to pay for food that may kill them later.

Actually, it's A LOT more complicated than that. Some kids are more genetically wired to be heavier or not.

One of the biggest things is physical activity....and not every kid is in a situation to get out and about. They may live in a crummy neighborhood where it's not safe, for example. They may be in a school district that doesn't do physical education. They may have parents who work all the time who can't take them out. Or they may not have transportation to get to places like a nice park.

This is the REALITY of the poor.

I don't think the food stamp offerings should be micromanaged because someone has a hate affair with Pop-Tarts. Some people buy convenience foods because they DON'T HAVE THE MEANS to prepare food, like if you are living in your car or a homeless shelter or a motel or out on the street.

The meanspiritedness around the holiday time is truly depressing.

 

[pipersmom]

Little did I know when I posted it the uproar the term "pop-tart" would cause to some folks. I stopped responding on the thread because some things just aren't worth it. I have enough things to deal with on a daily basis, and frankly the negative commentary rolls off my back anyway. There will always be those on both sides that think they have the right to decide how "the other half lives". Luckily for my family, and others like us, thinking something doesn't make it happen.

 

[brymolmom]

I agree with most everything you said. I have no clue how the person in front of me is paying for their food--I am too busy trying to get mine out of the buggy!! And I cannot imagine watching someone I don't know long enough to know what car they get in when they leave the store.

I have been on food stamps and me and my kids still dressed well. I was wearing clothes that I bought when I was still married (ex worked offshore and made a very good living) and my parents bought a lot of my kids clothes. I had a decent car because my dad helped me shop around and get a good car for a good price and he kept it running for me (mechanic was one of my dad's many talents). And, btw, my mom and dad took me and the kids to wdw--so trips do get gifted to those that could not possibly afford it otherwise.

Working with a lot of young, single parents that are students, I have discovered that their appearance is very important to them. Many of them are very determined to not look broke and for their kids to look a certain way. I have heard them say "no one is going to look at my baby and think we don't have any money". So they buy the more expensive brands at TJ Maxx or the good will store or wherever and they buy knock-off coach purses (there is a place to buy these just down the road from the school) and always have new shoes on. The are just as diligent in getting good buys and cheap prices as anyone, but they will only buy certain brands and things that look expensive. I remember being that broke and not wanting to look like it. I wanted a least one good piece of jewelery to wear around certain people or a nice pair of boots that looked expensive to wear to all the family Christmas things. Its not fun to look like the poor, country cousin.

Unless you see how the person buys these clothes and purses and shoes, you shouldn't judge. You just don't know what is going on in their lives or what went on before this month that they qualify for stamps. Just because they qualify this month, doesn't mean they will qualify next month or that they qualified last month.


Oh, and the poster that said she couldn't buy food with stamps and then donate them is entirely correct. When my parents owned a small grocery store and did a food drive they had to police this. It would be the same thing as buying food with food stamps and then giving the food to Aunt Sally or Jane down the street. Its not legal.

I think that's the point of some on this thread...Appearance can be important to people, however, if you are in a situation where you are having difficulty feeding yourself or your children - it should NOT be so. It should be moved WAY to the bottom of the priority list. And, if there comes a time when you can get your feet under you again - THEN it can be moved back up. The sad thing here is that it MAY (for some, obviously not all) only feed and perpetuate the problem as the kids may be learning to then put appearance and 'pricier' luxury things above the real needs....and if you are not in a position to be buying Coach bags (even knock offs or 2nd hand) you should really be buying NEEDS instead of wants. And putting the money you do have toward what you actually need.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

I knownhow complicated it is. I have spent years working with a population usually trying to help them get benefits. I just think that less waste, less I ought to get more in the end means more people served.

 

[Colleen27]

I think that's the point of some on this thread...Appearance can be important to people, however, if you are in a situation where you are having difficulty feeding yourself or your children - it should NOT be so. It should be moved WAY to the bottom of the priority list

But the thing about that is, appearances ARE important in our society. Those nice clothes, manicure, styled hair, make-up are an expectation in many settings, including a LOT of jobs. Do you imagine that Macys is going to hire a salesperson who comes in wearing old clothes with neglected hair & nails? That any nice restaurant would hire a waitress that doesn't look well groomed, well-dressed and classy? That an office looking for a receptionist isn't going to give preference to the more put-together looking applicant? In a lot of jobs, even low-wage/low-skill jobs, image is part of the package. And when you're judging that woman in front of you paying for her groceries with her food stamps, you have no idea whether or not maintaining a certain appearance is essential to her job or job search (many food stamp recipients do work; in fact there are work requirements for those who don't have preschool-aged children).

 

[brymolmom]

But the thing about that is, appearances ARE important in our society. Those nice clothes, manicure, styled hair, make-up are an expectation in many settings, including a LOT of jobs. Do you imagine that Macys is going to hire a salesperson who comes in wearing old clothes with neglected hair & nails? That any nice restaurant would hire a waitress that doesn't look well groomed, well-dressed and classy? That an office looking for a receptionist isn't going to give preference to the more put-together looking applicant? In a lot of jobs, even low-wage/low-skill jobs, image is part of the package. And when you're judging that woman in front of you paying for her groceries with her food stamps, you have no idea whether or not maintaining a certain appearance is essential to her job or job search (many food stamp recipients do work; in fact there are work requirements for those who don't have preschool-aged children).

I'm not saying that appearance isn't important, but just because you don't have name brand clothes does not mean that a person on food stamps is going to go to a job with negleted hair and nails - a $1.00 brush, $2.00 bottle of shampoo and $1.00 emory board would take care of that. You can have pride in your appearance without name brands. If you can afford name brands - fine, if not - well then let's get our priorities straight.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I'm not saying that appearance isn't important, but just because you don't have name brand clothes does not mean that a person on food stamps is going to go to a job with negleted hair and nails - a $1.00 brush, $2.00 bottle of shampoo and $1.00 emory board would take care of that. You can have pride in your appearance without name brands. If you can afford name brands - fine, if not - well then let's get our priorities straight.

I agree. I've seen people choosing $20 bottles of shampoo over food.

 

[Colleen27]

I'm not saying that appearance isn't important, but just because you don't have name brand clothes does not mean that a person on food stamps is going to go to a job with negleted hair and nails - a $1.00 brush, $2.00 bottle of shampoo and $1.00 emory board would take care of that. You can have pride in your appearance without name brands. If you can afford name brands - fine, if not - well then let's get our priorities straight.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that people currently receiving food stamps should be out buying name brands brand-new, but the implication that they shouldn't be wearing name brands is rather silly. And the obsession over manicures, which are a cheap extra even if you aren't doing it yourself, is ridiculous. Appearances count, and buying name brands at consignment shops (and not selling items purchased in better times) is a step towards opportunities that a person who looks like she's living in poverty wouldn't get.

 

[happygirl]

I don't think anyone is suggesting that people currently receiving food stamps should be out buying name brands brand-new, but the implication that they shouldn't be wearing name brands is rather silly. And the obsession over manicures, which are a cheap extra even if you aren't doing it yourself, is ridiculous. Appearances count, and buying name brands at consignment shops (and not selling items purchased in better times) is a step towards opportunities that a person who looks like she's living in poverty wouldn't get.

I know that I have quite a few brand name clothes that I have got at thrift stores. That are cheaper then non name clothes you get at Walmart. There is any reason they might have there nails painted maybe they work at a Beauty Salon, maybe they have friends that does it.