Living on food stamps

[kathyk2]

You also have to account for storage space when deciding what to buy. Many apartments have small freezers and few cabinets. A whole chicken might be cheaper than a package of breasts or thighs but it will take the entire freezer leaving no room for anything else. The person buying steak with food stamps may be shopping for someone else. Many elderly or disabled people rely on someone else to get their groceries.

 

[Jenny3]

I have never noticed what type of card the person I'm front of me uses. It seems kind of rude to me to looking to see what kind of a card a person uses.

I wouldn't want anyone looking over my shoulder to see whether I'm using an Amex or visa, it's none if their business.

I was originally answering the question someone asked here, which was "Have you seen anyone pay for steaks with food stamps?". Not making a judgement call.

If you need the details of that situation, the steak woman was talking on her cell phone the entire time during checkout. When it came time for payment, she put the phone down and asked the checkout girl, "You take food stamps, right?" (now she could have called it SNAP or the Access card, I'm not sure on that). Checkout girl said yes, she ran the card through, woman resumed her cell conversation.

I don't make it a habit of looking over people's shoulders. I could care less how they pay and wouldn't of noticed it if the woman hadn't announced it.

 

[nunzia]

There are rules surrounding welfare and food stamp programs but people ignore them for the most part because they think they "deserve" to do what they want or whatever. It is other people's tax money providing, but whatever. My DH has family who has been on welfare their entire lives. And they are by no means ashamed. They think they deserve it because we're "lucky". Lots of reasons they're where they are and luck isnt' one of them. You aren't supposed to have pets (at least that was the rule) if you are receiving assistance, (welfare, food stamps) because it's meant to support the people in the household not animals. DH's family has had cats and dogs the entire time. So, we choose not to have pets but we are supporting those that do. I've also seen his family (cousin) buying lots of junk, alcohol and cigarettes (all necessities, right?). And, all for the 4 kids she chose to have when we decided we could afford two. The fact is the system is broken and always has been. Tons of abuse, and before the debit card, lots of illegal activity being funded by the programs.

I think it's great that OP is trying to teach her children something about budgeting which is really what this assignment was.

These discussions always go badly, but I see abuse on all levels of these gov't programs daily. As I said before I applaud the OP for the great job she is doing with schooling her kids and the creative way she is working in valuable life skills with this study of food stamps.

 

[Darcy03231]

My sister receives food stamps from her state and she gets way more than what she needs per month. She wasn't always eligible for foodstamps. She and BIL both had very good paying jobs. Within a month they both lost those jobs due to downturns in the economy. While they are both now working, they are making a fraction of what they made before. For years their tax dollars (and my family's) funded these programs so I see nothing wrong with her taking advantage of a program that she qualifies for.

I know for a fact that she buys steak, chicken, pork, seafood, etc. using her foodstamps. They're not eating steak and shrimp every night, but they are certainly served. She cooks from scratch and doesn't buy much, if any prepacked/processed food. Again, I see no reason why her family shouldn't consume foods any other regular family would. My family eats quite similarly to hers.

Oh, and FWIW she has a Coach bag and wallet. I gave them to her as a Christmas/birthday gift one year (her birthday is 2 days after Christmas).

 

[mom2my3kids]

My sister receives food stamps from her state and she gets way more than what she needs per month. She wasn't always eligible for foodstamps. She and BIL both had very good paying jobs. Within a month they both lost those jobs due to downturns in the economy. While they are both now working, they are making a fraction of what they made before. For years their tax dollars (and my family's) funded these programs so I see nothing wrong with her taking advantage of a program that she qualifies for.

I know for a fact that she buys steak, chicken, pork, seafood, etc. using her foodstamps. They're not eating steak and shrimp every night, but they are certainly served. She cooks from scratch and doesn't buy much, if any prepacked/processed food. Again, I see no reason why her family shouldn't consume foods any other regular family would. My family eats quite similarly to hers.

Oh, and FWIW she has a Coach bag and wallet. I gave them to her as a Christmas/birthday gift one year (her birthday is 2 days after Christmas).

I have no problem with people using assistance as a stepping stone, but most people do not.. just my two cents..

 

[mikkishelles]

My sister receives food stamps from her state and she gets way more than what she needs per month. She wasn't always eligible for foodstamps. She and BIL both had very good paying jobs. Within a month they both lost those jobs due to downturns in the economy. While they are both now working, they are making a fraction of what they made before. For years their tax dollars (and my family's) funded these programs so I see nothing wrong with her taking advantage of a program that she qualifies for.

I know for a fact that she buys steak, chicken, pork, seafood, etc. using her foodstamps. They're not eating steak and shrimp every night, but they are certainly served. She cooks from scratch and doesn't buy much, if any prepacked/processed food. Again, I see no reason why her family shouldn't consume foods any other regular family would. My family eats quite similarly to hers.

Oh, and FWIW she has a Coach bag and wallet. I gave them to her as a Christmas/birthday gift one year (her birthday is 2 days after Christmas).

You made my point exactly. We don't know each individual's circumstance. It's not for us to stand in judgement,

 

[Colleen27]

90% of the time, in that set of circumstances, those are fake wallets that were sold out of the back of a trunk and cost less than the comprable wallet from Walmart. Just sayin'.

Or they're things bought in better times. There's no "poverty fairy" that makes every last vestige of a middle class past disappear when a family falls on hard times.

Our area has lost thousands of $15-20-25/hr, solidly middle/lower middle class jobs and for most people the jobs they are finding to replace them pay around $8/hr, often part time or with erratic hours. We know a lot of families on food stamps who not that long ago had the means to splurge on a vacation or a name brand bag or a nice television, but now are struggling just to hold onto their homes. But most of those things purchased in better times have very little resale value - there are just too many people in the same boat looking to sell, new prices are too low (esp. with electronics), and fakes/scams are too abundant for buyers to be comfortable with second-hand items (like handbags/wallets). So people using food stamps often still have some of the trappings of middle class life despite their changed circumstances.

 

[eliza61]

Or they're things bought in better times. There's no "poverty fairy" that makes every last vestige of a middle class past disappear when a family falls on hard times.

Our area has lost thousands of $15-20-25/hr, solidly middle/lower middle class jobs and for most people the jobs they are finding to replace them pay around $8/hr, often part time or with erratic hours. We know a lot of families on food stamps who not that long ago had the means to splurge on a vacation or a name brand bag or a nice television, but now are struggling just to hold onto their homes. But most of those things purchased in better times have very little resale value - there are just too many people in the same boat looking to sell, new prices are too low (esp. with electronics), and fakes/scams are too abundant for buyers to be comfortable with second-hand items (like handbags/wallets). So people using food stamps often still have some of the trappings of middle class life despite their changed circumstances.

Colleen, that's because they're poor. They are not supposed to have nice things. If you're on food stamps you're not supposed to dress any way but rags. Your nails should be dirty and broken. and sweet lord do you dare get a manicure even if some one else treats you to one. I would say it's preferable to be shoeless but then some one might notice that you painted your toe nails and that's a definite no no.

Man Colleen, I feel like such a slug. I can barely remember what I'm supposed to pick up at the supermarket. How is it possible that all you guys ......

1) notice what everyone else in line purchases
2) figures out how they paid for it
3) noticed if their bags are designer or not
4) figured out if the designer item is real or conterfeit.
5) figured out how they paid for said item
and figured out if they have had their nails professionally done and how they paid for that.

Man, I know Saturdays at the market can be slow but wow, in the short time in line behind a person, you've gathered their entire financial picture and how they acquired their stuff.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Or they're things bought in better times. There's no "poverty fairy" that makes every last vestige of a middle class past disappear when a family falls on hard times.

Our area has lost thousands of $15-20-25/hr, solidly middle/lower middle class jobs and for most people the jobs they are finding to replace them pay around $8/hr, often part time or with erratic hours. We know a lot of families on food stamps who not that long ago had the means to splurge on a vacation or a name brand bag or a nice television, but now are struggling just to hold onto their homes. But most of those things purchased in better times have very little resale value - there are just too many people in the same boat looking to sell, new prices are too low (esp. with electronics), and fakes/scams are too abundant for buyers to be comfortable with second-hand items (like handbags/wallets). So people using food stamps often still have some of the trappings of middle class life despite their changed circumstances.

Very true. I have friends in those circumstances, sadly. I also have friends and acquaints who are ardent trunk shoppers, many of whom are on strict budgets and have been on strict budgets. Trunk shopping gives the seller money and lets the person buying enjoy something nice and new. New is a great thing when you're on a limited budget, and if it makes you feel like you fit in, that's even better. (Been there, have had the entire series of that t-shirt.)

 

[MrsPete]

Why do these threads always turn this direction?

Sure, there's someone out there who is splurging on a birthday/celebration meal, carrying an expensive wallet purchased back when she was working as both a doctor, and who is an expert shopper who can find designer whatevers for a dime . . . but usually when someone appears to be cheating the system, that person's cheating the system.

Do I know this about people whom I see at the grocery store? Nope. In truth, I can't say I pay any attention to the people ahead of me in line. I can't say I've personally observed a Welfare recipient at the grocery store in years, but I do know that it's true of a handful of people I know in real life. People whose stories I know, people whom I know have been cheating the system for years, people who brag about knowing all the ins and outs. It'd be a lie to say I don't have negative opinions about those people.

To go back to the original poster's long-lost thread topic: Teaching your kids to operate on a small budget is a great learning experience. All too many people today simply don't know how to cook with anything except expensive cuts of meat and convenience foods. Learning to scrimp and save -- whether they need to do it all the time or not -- will absolutely be a benefit to your kids in the future.

 

[Patience]

To go back to the original poster's long-lost thread topic: Teaching your kids to operate on a small budget is a great learning experience. All too many people today simply don't know how to cook with anything except expensive cuts of meat and convenience foods. Learning to scrimp and save -- whether they need to do it all the time or not -- will absolutely be a benefit to your kids in the future.

Exactly. My daughter in college will be living in an off campus apartment next year and because it costs more than a dorm, she will be on a fairly tight food budget with no meal card. She will be spending the summer honing her cooking skills with me and talking about how to stretch her food dollars as far as possible and still eat nutritiously. It's a valuable life skill and one that will serve her well no matter what life may throw at her.

 

[eliza61]

Why do these threads always turn this direction?

Sure, there's someone out there who is splurging on a birthday/celebration meal, carrying an expensive wallet purchased back when she was working as both a doctor, and who is an expert shopper who can find designer whatevers for a dime . . . but usually when someone appears to be cheating the system, that person's cheating the system.

Do I know this about people whom I see at the grocery store? Nope. In truth, I can't say I pay any attention to the people ahead of me in line. I can't say I've personally observed a Welfare recipient at the grocery store in years, but I do know that it's true of a handful of people I know in real life. People whose stories I know, people whom I know have been cheating the system for years, people who brag about knowing all the ins and outs. It'd be a lie to say I don't have negative opinions about those people.

To go back to the original poster's long-lost thread topic: Teaching your kids to operate on a small budget is a great learning experience. All too many people today simply don't know how to cook with anything except expensive cuts of meat and convenience foods. Learning to scrimp and save -- whether they need to do it all the time or not -- will absolutely be a benefit to your kids in the future.

oH that's an easy one. Poor people and the obese are the last groups htat are still politically correct to stereotype and bash

Sure their are people abusing the system. Is the rate any higher than people cheating on their taxes or the rate of investment bankers stealing from their clients? No, yet no one would dare blame all bankers from the actions of Bernie Madoff.

you know people who cheat, I spend 15 hours a week in the poorest sections of philly and camden with hard working folks who are beaten down from poverty they don't have the energy to cheat. It amazes me how many people swear they know some one living in a mansion while getting food stamps.

And the frustrating things is a simple google search will quite easily give you statistics on food stamp recipents. Yet it so much easier to believe they are all lazy hoochie mamas with 12 babies by 12 different men.

for those who are interested. Here's a new story from 2010 on hunger in philly and the surrounding areas. My church was interviewed for the series. I think it was nominated for a pulitzer. dont think it won, can't remember

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/special_packages/20101104_By_Alfred_Lubrano.html

https://www.philabundance.org/inquirerhungerseries/

 

[nunzia]

I think the new easiest people to bash are the wealthy..those who for the most part worked hard, budgeted and saved to get where they are.
Really..these discussions hit the slippery slope so fast. Of course everyone wants to help those truly in need, no one begrudges people an occasional treat or steak. It is the growing and constant blatant abuse that needs to be addressed. As I've said before, in my job I see both kinds come in for help..the users and needy..sometimes hard to distinquish, but I would rather have the funds available for the needy than support a user. Also as I've said before, the system is so free now it is EASY to abuse..my DIL has been approached to give an aquaintance $50 for $100 worth of groceries because she needed the money for drugs. Those who say we shouldn't judge? Fine, not judge the individual, but it's another thing to not judge the system..we are paying for this so we have a right to expect our funds to be used wisely. In your home budget if a family member begged you for money because they were starving and then you saw them using that money for drugs or food products that you, in your own budget, didn't feel was a wise use of limited funds, wouldn't you have a right to be upset about how what you worked for was being spent? Same thing on a big scale. Yes..I want to help the needy but not the users and I want the limited funds to be put to the best use possible to benefit those most in need.

 

[Nelsie26]

I am a Librarian and see many people who live in poverty day in, day out.

The library is the place they come for Internet access, help filing taxes, and other essential things that they cannot get elsewhere.

Yes many of them have cell phones, some even smart phones... but a smart phone is not a replacement for a computer with Internet access, which A LOT of these people don't have. To say nothing of the technological know how in terms of how to find the information they need.

I won't repeat what has been said elsewhere, but there is an excellent comment on Metafilter that speaks to A LOT of the privilege that I am hearing here. Google "Metafilter California Dreamin" and then Ctrl + F for "I've spent the last year and a half of my life in library school" and then read that. The scenario detailed therein is not uncommon, I deal with it day in and day out - these are the people I serve.

I am appalled at the lack of compassion that I am seeing here and the sheer level of judgment. As many others have said before me, playing Let's Pretend We're Poor for a month and comparing it to the actual experiences of being impoverished is so insulting that I don't know where to begin.

 

[Marionnette]

I am a Librarian and see many people who live in poverty day in, day out.

The library is the place they come for Internet access, help filing taxes, and other essential things that they cannot get elsewhere.

Yes many of them have cell phones, some even smart phones... but a smart phone is not a replacement for a computer with Internet access, which A LOT of these people don't have. To say nothing of the technological know how in terms of how to find the information they need.

I won't repeat what has been said elsewhere, but there is an excellent comment on Metafilter that speaks to A LOT of the privilege that I am hearing here. Google "Metafilter California Dreamin" and then Ctrl + F for "I've spent the last year and a half of my life in library school" and then read that. The scenario detailed therein is not uncommon, I deal with it day in and day out - these are the people I serve.

I am appalled at the lack of compassion that I am seeing here and the sheer level of judgment. As many others have said before me, playing Let's Pretend We're Poor for a month and comparing it to the actual experiences of being impoverished is so insulting that I don't know where to begin.

I googled it. That was quite a sanctimonious, self-righteous, accusatory screed and has nothing to do with food stamps or SNAP.

I may not totally agreed with the entire lesson plan that the OP has outlined, but her lessons are not meant to mimic life in poverty. The food stamp program is simply a framework around which she is modeling her budgeting, math, social studies and life skills lessons. I don't see anyone "playing let's pretend we're poor for a month".

 

[NotUrsula]

In re: couponing, two observations:

1. Circulars in the mail. If you have ever lived in a poorer community, you know that people in such areas don't get these all that often. Mass mailing campaigns send them where they are most likely to be used.

2. Not couponing because it is "someone else's money". Maybe sometimes, but the primary reason that most poor people don't actively use coupons is that they don't have the time or education to figure out the math of using them effectively, when looking at the shelf tells you that the store brand package of cheese is $1.99, and the name-brand one that you have that $.50 coupon for is $3.19, AND that you have to buy two packages to be able to use the coupon.

The chronically poor tend to be high-school graduates at best, and the idea of leveraging savings over time via quantity is usually a bit much for their math skills. They do the simple subtraction and see that the store-brand is cheaper, so they buy it, and after a few experiences like this, they come to the conclusion that coupons are seldom worth the time and trouble of keeping track of them.

 

[pocomom]

I am a Librarian and see many people who live in poverty day in, day out.

The library is the place they come for Internet access, help filing taxes, and other essential things that they cannot get elsewhere.

Yes many of them have cell phones, some even smart phones... but a smart phone is not a replacement for a computer with Internet access, which A LOT of these people don't have. To say nothing of the technological know how in terms of how to find the information they need.

I won't repeat what has been said elsewhere, but there is an excellent comment on Metafilter that speaks to A LOT of the privilege that I am hearing here. Google "Metafilter California Dreamin" and then Ctrl + F for "I've spent the last year and a half of my life in library school" and then read that. The scenario detailed therein is not uncommon, I deal with it day in and day out - these are the people I serve.

I am appalled at the lack of compassion that I am seeing here and the sheer level of judgment. As many others have said before me, playing Let's Pretend We're Poor for a month and comparing it to the actual experiences of being impoverished is so insulting that I don't know where to begin.

It's amazing to me that one can be so appalled at other's judging yet be so judgmental....
For what it is worth... in recent years my children have lived a privileged life but it was not always the case. There were nights when my girls were young and their dad walked out where I didn’t know how I was going to feed them. I worked my a** off, and in truth had some luck and circumstance and now we’re doing great. Many people in my neighborhood had been affected by these economic times. Over 50% of the kids in our school district are on free and reduced lunch. In the past year, my older daughter has made some comments due to her own ignorance, that could be hurtful to some of her friends. She is not spoiled but she also doesn’t realize that sometimes another child can’t do something/buy something etc. because of money. She has a better understanding now. She has also seen the value in buying thrift store clothes etc. You can think what you like about people receiving food stamps, but the majority are children. And no child deserves to be made fun of because they can’t have a birthday party, or they aren’t wearing the "right" clothes. And along with all the other things they have learned about budgets, money, shopping, cooking etc. that will serve them throughout their life, this project is helping to teach my children to judge other’s by the content of their character, not the content of their wallet.