Food Stamp question

[nunzia]

Chicago and Eliza...comparing apples and oranges. This thread isn't about corporate welfare or gas prices or who got kicked from DWTS's or any other argument, from what I've read, other than the abuse, by some, of the FS program.

There are individual abuses in this entitlement program that needs to be addressed. I don't think you'll find one person in this whole thread that disagrees with helping people in need, the problem is that some are abusing the system. Heck, for some of them it's a lifestyle. Assistance shouldn't a cradle to grave problem. It should exist to give people to staple of life. If people want to live cradle to grave on the basic necessities of life, well, I'll no longer be angry at them I'll just feel sorry for them. We should not be providing them the finer things in life...we should provide them with life until they can pull themselves up again. There's a reason people don't donate steak and lobsters to the food bank. It's stupid. There is alot better types of food, more reasonably priced out there that can help more people...yet it seems to be ok for these same people that go to the food banks to be able to buy steak and lobster at grocery stores from the same pot of money that helps food banks. Stupid.

I've seen people buy and sell their dollars on the cards at 50% off so they could get cash for cigarettes, etc., etc. That's not right no matter how you cut it. I remember lots of weird stuff as a cashier in the 90's when people would come in, multiple times, buying individual bananas to get enough change to go next door to the liquor store. It's just not right and I don't believe my tax money should go to buying steak, lobster, cigarettes or booze for anyone.

The FS program is the ultimate "honor" system. Some people use it for what it's there for...great...I'll pay in for that knowing that some family really needs it and never say a word about it. However, there is so much abuse that it's time for more rules and regulations to be in place.

People on food stamps aren't destroying the country...contrary to that I'd like to think that the majority of people that get FS's realize how great of a country they live in, motivate them to pick themselve's up after life's given them a knucklesandwich and to give something back after they've "righted the ship". Apparently, a minority of people on FS's think it's a right and a priveledge. That needs to change.

 

[ccgirl]

I would just guess that those who do work (not all) end up getting EIC at tax time since their income is low enough to qualify them for food stamps. So a lot probably actually do pay taxes but get that amount PLUS a LOT more at tax time.

Exactly

I wonder how many posters on here get EIC and other tax credits too but yet are judging those on food stamps. I hope that stay at home mom whose DH leaves her and doesn't pay enough child support (or doesn't pay at all) doesn't collect assistance because she has not paid into the system either. Look, I know there are abusers. There are abusers in everything, unfortunately. But, to judge those that need the assistance is just wrong. To be a cashier commenting to other shoppers regarding how much is left on the previous shoppers EBT is just not necessary.

 

[cwasil]

ccgirl...I'm sorry but I don't see anyone bashing the SAHM whose husband left, the husband who lost his job or any other unfortunate events that can happen that leaves a family no where to turn. That is what the system is for and I don't believe anyone has a problem helping those in need.

IMO it IS wrong to be using assistance to buy the niceties in this life and I (and many others) will judge if they see someone using a card and buying, say, steak. If I lost my job I'd be looking at surviving...not for the best marbling on a ribeye.

I do agree with you about the cashier. Professionalism alone should be enough for the cashier to shut her mouth.

 

[descovy]

I would just guess that those who do work (not all) end up getting EIC at tax time since their income is low enough to qualify them for food stamps. So a lot probably actually do pay taxes but get that amount PLUS a LOT more at tax time.

Sounds like the less-than-middle-class are damned if they do and damned if they don't.

Not working? Get off your lazy bum and get a job.

What? Now you're working for so little pay? Get a better job so you don't qualify for EIC. What a leech! you don't pay enough taxes!

Of course, how does one get higher than a $24k salary? With a college degree of course! But what if your parents didn't gift you with a 4yr all expenses paid degree at the age of 18?

Oh yeah. Right. Work less, get financial aid. Pay a big load of college tuition with inflated book & lab fees. And MAYBE, just maybe someone will be willing to hire a middle-aged entry level college grad and you can pay off those student loans before retirement.

Funny how it seems so easy coming from a middle class upbringing. Unfortunately not everyone is born into a perfect little family.

Are you upset that others get EIC and they should "pay their fair share?" I ask you, when it comes to tax time don't you take every little tax deduction you can? I know I do. I am on a budget, I scrimp and save and work hard, and "do everything right." But I cannot begrudge anyone else from taking a mortgage deduction, childcare deduction, adoption credit, or yes, even EIC if they qualify.

At tax time I take every deduction/credit I am entitled to. I am sure you (general you) do as well.

 

[momto2inKC]

Sounds like the less-than-middle-class are damned if they do and damned if they don't.

Not working? Get off your lazy bum and get a job.

What? Now you're working for so little pay? Get a better job so you don't qualify for EIC. What a leech! you don't pay enough taxes!

Of course, how does one get higher than a $24k salary? With a college degree of course! But what if your parents didn't gift you with a 4yr all expenses paid degree at the age of 18?

Oh yeah. Right. Work less, get financial aid. Pay a big load of college tuition with inflated book & lab fees. And MAYBE, just maybe someone will be willing to hire a middle-aged entry level college grad and you can pay off those student loans before retirement.

Funny how it seems so easy coming from a middle class upbringing. Unfortunately not everyone is born into a perfect little family.

Are you upset that others get EIC and they should "pay their fair share?" I ask you, when it comes to tax time don't you take every little tax deduction you can? I know I do. I am on a budget, I scrimp and save and work hard, and "do everything right." But I cannot begrudge anyone else from taking a mortgage deduction, childcare deduction, adoption credit, or yes, even EIC if they qualify.

At tax time I take every deduction/credit I am entitled to. I am sure you (general you) do as well.

I honestly had a really hard time following this and what you are trying to convey
Are you asking me directly? No, i'm not upset that others get EIC or any deduction for that matter. I'm not sure you actually 'get' what I said. I was pointing out the fact that people on food stamps more than likely also get EIC because someone else said a lot of people on food stamps do pay taxes. In actuality they more than likely get what they pay plus more back, meaning no, they really aren't paying in...clear as mud? ::ff to re-read your post because i'm still confused::::

 

[descovy]

I honestly had a really hard time following this and what you are trying to convey
Are you asking me directly? No, i'm not upset that others get EIC or any deduction for that matter. I'm not sure you actually 'get' what I said. I was pointing out the fact that people on food stamps more than likely also get EIC because someone else said a lot of people on food stamps do pay taxes. In actuality they more than likely get what they pay plus more back, meaning no, they really aren't paying in...clear as mud? ::ff to re-read your post because i'm still confused::::

I'm sorry I may have read your post wrong. I was seeing this thread taking a bend from "people who rig the system to get food stamps" to "people who rig the system to get eic.". I apologize as I probably put the filter of my life experiences and previous threads where others bemoan that families who receive eic are gaming the system.

I was raised by parents who were the working poor. I spent my young adult life living just as hard. I have claimed eic, food stamps,and even ate government cheese. But I have always been frugal, worked hard for what I have.

I'll admit, I "married up" when I married my husband. He has a masters degree (fully paid for by his parents) and a white collar professional job. He learned to solve problems by throwing money at it. I taught him the value of a dollar. I may not have a college degree but I saved the day when he lost his job and had 3 kids under 5yr to support. I had a job at a preschool within a week of his layoff. We survived on my meager wages for 3mos while his unemployment was stalled. I didn't allow for cable or little treats because "life was hard." I hustled and powered through.

I have co workers at Target who are good hardworking people. They hustle to get by and yes, many receive food stamps and eic. Thanks to my husbands income, we live in a upper-middle class area, where everyone has it so easy. Folks who blow and waste money/food/resources without much thought. And when I hear my neighbors snub "the lower class" I get defensive. Because it isn't just how you heard the rumors from your sister-neighbor-friend-who saw someone buy steaks with an EBt card and drive away in a Lexus .

As I said in a previous post, money does not equal class. There are selfish people who cheat, manipulate the system in all classes. The food stamp users do not have a lock on entitlement issues & abuse of government resources, trust me!

 

[momto2inKC]

I'm sorry I may have read your post wrong. I was seeing this thread taking a bend from "people who rig the system to get food stamps" to "people who rig the system to get eic.". I apologize as I probably put the filter of my life experiences and previous threads where others bemoan that families who receive eic are gaming the system.

Honestly I don't think anyone in this thread is bashing people who 'truly' need those benefits. Just discussing the ones who know how to work the system in their favor when they clearly don't need it or are just too lazy to work. I just mentioned EIC because taxes were brought up.

 

[StuckInKS]

I would just guess that those who do work (not all) end up getting EIC at tax time since their income is low enough to qualify them for food stamps. So a lot probably actually do pay taxes but get that amount PLUS a LOT more at tax time.

This got me curious, so I decided to find a SNAP calculator to see what a family of our size would have to make to get FS. I wanted to stay as close to our situation as possible, so I only changed our state and income. Every thing else is the same. I chose a state (FL, wishful thinking!) and I started low ($1,000) and went up. It seems that a family of 8 in FL can make $4,000 a month and still qualify for FS. Maybe not much, but they would still be "food stamp recipients". If this was us, we'd owe $8,024 in taxes on a $48K annual income and get a $222 EIC plus a $6,000 additional child tax credit, leaving us with a tax bill of just over $1,800 -- about $150 a month in taxes, which is likely higher than the FS we'd get making that amount.

Personally, my family could survive on $3,850 a month without FS, but we do spend between 1/4 to 1/3 of that amount on groceries each month (some months we eat out more than others, which means less groceries). But if this family has a car payment, house payment or student loans (things that we don't have) then they may need help supplementing their food budget.

 

[StuckInKS]

Sounds like the less-than-middle-class are damned if they do and damned if they don't.

Not working? Get off your lazy bum and get a job.

What? Now you're working for so little pay? Get a better job so you don't qualify for EIC. What a leech! you don't pay enough taxes!

Of course, how does one get higher than a $24k salary? With a college degree of course! But what if your parents didn't gift you with a 4yr all expenses paid degree at the age of 18?

Oh yeah. Right. Work less, get financial aid. Pay a big load of college tuition with inflated book & lab fees. And MAYBE, just maybe someone will be willing to hire a middle-aged entry level college grad and you can pay off those student loans before retirement.

Funny how it seems so easy coming from a middle class upbringing. Unfortunately not everyone is born into a perfect little family.

Are you upset that others get EIC and they should "pay their fair share?" I ask you, when it comes to tax time don't you take every little tax deduction you can? I know I do. I am on a budget, I scrimp and save and work hard, and "do everything right." But I cannot begrudge anyone else from taking a mortgage deduction, childcare deduction, adoption credit, or yes, even EIC if they qualify.

At tax time I take every deduction/credit I am entitled to. I am sure you (general you) do as well.

Bolding mine. I've seen posts on the DIS dissing college financial aid as a handout, so they're d**ned there too...

 

[snarlingcoyote]

If you count the unique, individual posters in this thread, there are way more posters who think that giving assistance to people who need it is a good thing. There are far more posters dispelling myths about the working poor than there are propagating those myths.

Maybe because it's the budget board and not the community board? I dunno, but I'm just a bit teary thinking about the compassion for others I've read in this thread.

 

[plummer925]

I have to say - it REALLY bothers me when there are discussions about food stamps because you just don't know the situation.

I was a foster mom - we got food stamps for our foster son (NOT for us - just for him).

My mom's best friend is a foster mom for a NUMBER of special-needs children. They have a nice home and nice cars (she had a Hummer, in fact) because her husband works hard. She works hard to...being a mom to those sweet children. Well, here in Maine, those children come with a food stamp card. You can't imagine how many times mom's best friend was told off because of her vehicle when she used food stamps. It makes me so sad. She wasn't taking advantage of anything - quite the opposite - she takes in children who need a loving home, and the food stamp program is PART of the pay for that (I got about $14 a day for caring for my foster son - that is ALL the pay with food stamps and the stipend, and clothing allowance, and diaper allowance!!).

Please don't judge...you just never know the circumstances.

Honestly...if I knew a cashier was saying stuff like that I would IMMEDIATELY go to the management!!!

 

[sweetpeakaris]

I have to say - it REALLY bothers me when there are discussions about food stamps because you just don't know the situation.

I was a foster mom - we got food stamps for our foster son (NOT for us - just for him).

My mom's best friend is a foster mom for a NUMBER of special-needs children. They have a nice home and nice cars (she had a Hummer, in fact) because her husband works hard. She works hard to...being a mom to those sweet children. Well, here in Maine, those children come with a food stamp card. You can't imagine how many times mom's best friend was told off because of her vehicle when she used food stamps. It makes me so sad. She wasn't taking advantage of anything - quite the opposite - she takes in children who need a loving home, and the food stamp program is PART of the pay for that (I got about $14 a day for caring for my foster son - that is ALL the pay with food stamps and the stipend, and clothing allowance, and diaper allowance!!).

Please don't judge...you just never know the circumstances.

Honestly...if I knew a cashier was saying stuff like that I would IMMEDIATELY go to the management!!!

You are so right!!

 

[Missy1961]

I have to say - it REALLY bothers me when there are discussions about food stamps because you just don't know the situation.

I was a foster mom - we got food stamps for our foster son (NOT for us - just for him).

My mom's best friend is a foster mom for a NUMBER of special-needs children. They have a nice home and nice cars (she had a Hummer, in fact) because her husband works hard. She works hard to...being a mom to those sweet children. Well, here in Maine, those children come with a food stamp card. You can't imagine how many times mom's best friend was told off because of her vehicle when she used food stamps. It makes me so sad. She wasn't taking advantage of anything - quite the opposite - she takes in children who need a loving home, and the food stamp program is PART of the pay for that (I got about $14 a day for caring for my foster son - that is ALL the pay with food stamps and the stipend, and clothing allowance, and diaper allowance!!).

Please don't judge...you just never know the circumstances.

Honestly...if I knew a cashier was saying stuff like that I would IMMEDIATELY go to the management!!!

Excellent points. Thanks for reminding us that there are many reasons people get food stamps. And bless you and your friend and all the foster parents out there for sharing your love.

 

[ccgirl]

I have to say - it REALLY bothers me when there are discussions about food stamps because you just don't know the situation.

I was a foster mom - we got food stamps for our foster son (NOT for us - just for him).

My mom's best friend is a foster mom for a NUMBER of special-needs children. They have a nice home and nice cars (she had a Hummer, in fact) because her husband works hard. She works hard to...being a mom to those sweet children. Well, here in Maine, those children come with a food stamp card. You can't imagine how many times mom's best friend was told off because of her vehicle when she used food stamps. It makes me so sad. She wasn't taking advantage of anything - quite the opposite - she takes in children who need a loving home, and the food stamp program is PART of the pay for that (I got about $14 a day for caring for my foster son - that is ALL the pay with food stamps and the stipend, and clothing allowance, and diaper allowance!!).

Please don't judge...you just never know the circumstances.

Honestly...if I knew a cashier was saying stuff like that I would IMMEDIATELY go to the management!!!

Great post.

First, thank you to you and your friend for fostering children. What an AMAZING thing!

Secondly, that is my point. You never know someone's situation unless you know them personally. Thank you so much for explaining that so eloquently.

Third, the fact that those collecting food stamps should not eat steak is just crazy, IMHO. Should they live on bread, water, and ramen noodles rather than feeding their children a well rounded meal? If the person using food stamps is able to get steak within their budget...more power to them.

 

[cwasil]

Well, I stand corrected on some of my points...if a foster child comes with food stamps...then I'm wrong. I had no idea that is what happened so I guess there are situations. I hardly think this is the norm though.

CCgirl brought up the main hypothetical point that I argue though. Should people on food stamps (not with foster children or other "situations") be able to use those food stamps on high end grocery items. I will always remember when this couple came in and grabbed every porterhouse and t-bone steak on the shelves and proceeded to whip out a wad food stamps (many years ago). That seemed wrong to me. I suppose it was within their budget but does that make it right? If I can't afford to do that myself why would the money I pay in taxes go to a program that allows people to do this.

Buy all the reasonable grains, breads, fruits, vegetables and meats you want. Stay strong...keep your kids strong, happy and healthy. I hate to say it like this but...the nice things should be earned not given. I'm sure I sound like a jerk but what kind of motivation is there for people to better themselves if they are just given it. I work 50 hours a week at one job and then moonlight for another 20 more trying to save up for a trip next year to WDW. Nobody should give me that trip like noone should just give someone lobster or porterhouse or caviar. I believe these food stamps cards need to go and be replaced with some kind of WIC program which spells out what you can get. That would certainly end, or at least make more difficult, the kind of abuses that are out there.

The majority of people seem to be arguing the same point...mine is that I have no problem with people getting food stamps. Life is hard and seemingly getting harder and if corporations can get welfare then, by God, hard working people should be able to get 3 healthy meals a day. My tax money being used to support this program is fine by me but there is no reason food stamp recipients should be able to purchase the high end foods, with my money, when I can't afford the same thing.

 

[momto2inKC]

Well, I stand corrected on some of my points...if a foster child comes with food stamps...then I'm wrong. I had no idea that is what happened so I guess there are situations. I hardly think this is the norm though.

CCgirl brought up the main hypothetical point that I argue though. Should people on food stamps (not with foster children or other "situations") be able to use those food stamps on high end grocery items. I will always remember when this couple came in and grabbed every porterhouse and t-bone steak on the shelves and proceeded to whip out a wad food stamps (many years ago). That seemed wrong to me. I suppose it was within their budget but does that make it right? If I can't afford to do that myself why would the money I pay in taxes go to a program that allows people to do this.

Buy all the reasonable grains, breads, fruits, vegetables and meats you want. Stay strong...keep your kids strong, happy and healthy. I hate to say it like this but...the nice things should be earned not given. I'm sure I sound like a jerk but what kind of motivation is there for people to better themselves if they are just given it. I work 50 hours a week at one job and then moonlight for another 20 more trying to save up for a trip next year to WDW. Nobody should give me that trip like noone should just give someone lobster or porterhouse or caviar. I believe these food stamps cards need to go and be replaced with some kind of WIC program which spells out what you can get. That would certainly end, or at least make more difficult, the kind of abuses that are out there.

The majority of people seem to be arguing the same point...mine is that I have no problem with people getting food stamps. Life is hard and seemingly getting harder and if corporations can get welfare then, by God, hard working people should be able to get 3 healthy meals a day. My tax money being used to support this program is fine by me but there is no reason food stamp recipients should be able to purchase the high end foods, with my money, when I can't afford the same thing.

I do think it should be set up somewhat like the WIC program, where they are required to buy certain things. My brother buys his 16 year old daughter cereal, mac and cheese, ice cream and sweets like gummy snack with their food stamps. No fresh fruit, veggies, or meat. Oh wait, she'll eat frozen chicken nuggets. He also only buys food that can be microwaved if it has to be cooked. His daughter is overweight, her teeth at 16 are black and rotten, and her overall health is poor. It makes me sad but what can you do? He's not breaking any rules. I really think there should be guidelines.

 

[Colleen27]

Well, I stand corrected on some of my points...if a foster child comes with food stamps...then I'm wrong. I had no idea that is what happened so I guess there are situations. I hardly think this is the norm though.

CCgirl brought up the main hypothetical point that I argue though. Should people on food stamps (not with foster children or other "situations") be able to use those food stamps on high end grocery items. I will always remember when this couple came in and grabbed every porterhouse and t-bone steak on the shelves and proceeded to whip out a wad food stamps (many years ago). That seemed wrong to me. I suppose it was within their budget but does that make it right? If I can't afford to do that myself why would the money I pay in taxes go to a program that allows people to do this.

Buy all the reasonable grains, breads, fruits, vegetables and meats you want. Stay strong...keep your kids strong, happy and healthy. I hate to say it like this but...the nice things should be earned not given. I'm sure I sound like a jerk but what kind of motivation is there for people to better themselves if they are just given it. I work 50 hours a week at one job and then moonlight for another 20 more trying to save up for a trip next year to WDW. Nobody should give me that trip like noone should just give someone lobster or porterhouse or caviar. I believe these food stamps cards need to go and be replaced with some kind of WIC program which spells out what you can get. That would certainly end, or at least make more difficult, the kind of abuses that are out there.

The majority of people seem to be arguing the same point...mine is that I have no problem with people getting food stamps. Life is hard and seemingly getting harder and if corporations can get welfare then, by God, hard working people should be able to get 3 healthy meals a day. My tax money being used to support this program is fine by me but there is no reason food stamp recipients should be able to purchase the high end foods, with my money, when I can't afford the same thing.

The motivation comes from wanting to be able to do those things more than once in a blue moon. Food stamps provide at most about $5.25 per person, per day. Some people stretch that allotment as much as possible in order to have something nice once in a while, because that occasional "treat" is worth bean & rice or grilled cheese & soup living for the rest of the month, just as many of us who are paying for our own groceries do the same.

It seems very petty to me to begrudge people living on so little their control in how the dollars are spent. Food traditions are one of very few things that can endure and provide good memories even in hard times and I just don't understand the resentment if aid recipients want to pinch pennies to afford a high-dollar meal for a holiday or other special occasion.

 

[plummer925]

You all bring up good points about the types of food - I am in complete agreement with you. It drives me NUTS that someone can buy a Hershey bar with food stamps, but not toilet paper or feminine hygiene products!!

Foods that are taxed (well, I guess I'm talking about Maine here since we are all different!) should be limited (snacks, soda, candy, etc). Hot foods are limited, so why not junk food?

I'd rather someone buy a pick-a-chick (hehe - that's what DH and I call the hot deli chickens) than candy or a t-bone. A pick-a-chick is nutritious and will easily feed a family of 6 with a bagged salad and a baked potato - simple meal, nutritious meal, but not allowed because it's HOT (but they can buy an italian sandwich from the deli, or a day-old COLD pick-a-chick).

The rules are screwy, I do admit!!

I appreciate the nice comments about my post about foster children -thanks for seeing it from my eyes!!

 

[NotUrsula]

I do think it should be set up somewhat like the WIC program, where they are required to buy certain things. My brother buys his 16 year old daughter cereal, mac and cheese, ice cream and sweets like gummy snack with their food stamps. No fresh fruit, veggies, or meat. Oh wait, she'll eat frozen chicken nuggets. He also only buys food that can be microwaved if it has to be cooked. His daughter is overweight, her teeth at 16 are black and rotten, and her overall health is poor. It makes me sad but what can you do? He's not breaking any rules. I really think there should be guidelines.

Perhaps not the case with your brother, but remember that in many cases those folks on food stamps may be living in a motel room with no fridge and no pots and pans. If you say that they MUST only buy fresh, raw foods, who is going to buy them a fridge to keep them in and pots and pans with which to cook them? Also, I once knew an older lady who had a fridge, but it had a bad compressor that she could not afford to repair; she ended up just using it like a pantry because it did not cool. That situation is also fairly common among the poor, because a fridge is an expensive thing. So, yeah, maybe people just have poor eating habits, but maybe not; in most cases a stranger has no real idea of the circumstances.

Also, in re: the EITC: you get it back when you file, yes, but you still have to pay the taxes up front, and you still have to file for it to get it. That means that the Federal Government gets to earn interest on that money in the meantime. That's the thing about the EITC, and all such "credit" line items on Federal taxes; they don't cost the taxpayers as much as many people think, because very often the interest earned on the taxes paid over a calendar year is equal to or even larger than the amount that goes out in credits (and the latest estimates from the IRS say that approx. 25% of taxpayers who are eligible for EITC fail to claim it.) Now, exemptions are another kettle of fish entirely; THOSE are really expensive because they come in up front, meaning that if you take every one that you are eligible for, then interest income is lost.

 

[luvsJack]

Well, I stand corrected on some of my points...if a foster child comes with food stamps...then I'm wrong. I had no idea that is what happened so I guess there are situations. I hardly think this is the norm though.

CCgirl brought up the main hypothetical point that I argue though. Should people on food stamps (not with foster children or other "situations") be able to use those food stamps on high end grocery items. I will always remember when this couple came in and grabbed every porterhouse and t-bone steak on the shelves and proceeded to whip out a wad food stamps (many years ago). That seemed wrong to me. I suppose it was within their budget but does that make it right? If I can't afford to do that myself why would the money I pay in taxes go to a program that allows people to do this.

Buy all the reasonable grains, breads, fruits, vegetables and meats you want. Stay strong...keep your kids strong, happy and healthy. I hate to say it like this but...the nice things should be earned not given. I'm sure I sound like a jerk but what kind of motivation is there for people to better themselves if they are just given it. I work 50 hours a week at one job and then moonlight for another 20 more trying to save up for a trip next year to WDW. Nobody should give me that trip like noone should just give someone lobster or porterhouse or caviar. I believe these food stamps cards need to go and be replaced with some kind of WIC program which spells out what you can get. That would certainly end, or at least make more difficult, the kind of abuses that are out there.

The majority of people seem to be arguing the same point...mine is that I have no problem with people getting food stamps. Life is hard and seemingly getting harder and if corporations can get welfare then, by God, hard working people should be able to get 3 healthy meals a day. My tax money being used to support this program is fine by me but there is no reason food stamp recipients should be able to purchase the high end foods, with my money, when I can't afford the same thing.

But what you may not have seen is the cheap meals of beans, rice and greens that they ate the rest of the month. Or maybe that was their firt month on FS and they got a larger allotment for some reason. There are still things you are not seeing just by observing someone one time at the grocery store.

I do think it should be set up somewhat like the WIC program, where they are required to buy certain things. My brother buys his 16 year old daughter cereal, mac and cheese, ice cream and sweets like gummy snack with their food stamps. No fresh fruit, veggies, or meat. Oh wait, she'll eat frozen chicken nuggets. He also only buys food that can be microwaved if it has to be cooked. His daughter is overweight, her teeth at 16 are black and rotten, and her overall health is poor. It makes me sad but what can you do? He's not breaking any rules. I really think there should be guidelines.

So, what should we then do about the people that do NOT get food stamps but do the same thing?