Missouri may be banning steak and seafood from Food Stamp Program

[Gracie09]

Computers could help here:

1. Standardize bar coding of all items. (not by brand name, by catagory
2. Require all items be purchased using a card.(swipe it like a credit card)
3. Check out is now done electronically. Everything bought has to be scanned. Program into the scanners items permitted to be bought.
4. first step at checkout is to have the card scanned.
5. Then scan all items. Anything not on the list has to be paid by cash.

4 and 5 can be done. IE at Costco the first thing done is scanning member card. No card you can't buy anything.

Not perfect, but sure go a long way in reducing fraud.

That's kind of how its already done.

 

[eliza61]

I do gladly donate that extra $1000 (probably more) to various local food banks. Mostly in cash, sometimes with actual non-perishable food items. Any other suggestions?

I'm quite aware that an extra $1000 in taxes would likely result in less than $100 reaching the hungry, most of it being gobbled up by bureaucracy and administration. If 90% or more would go to the actual people in need, sure, raise my taxes.



Did the Pathmark on Mt.Ephraim Avenue close down ?

yep

 

[eliza61]

Thanks....looks like that Pathmark in Camden closed about the same time as several others in the chain, including the one closest to me. I like how Shop Rite is coming in 2016, albeit in a different location. Strangely enough, the Pathmark that closed used to be a Shop Rite in the 1960s.

Camden used to have half a dozen supermarkets. Starting in the early 1970s, they gradually started closing.

there are also rumors that Magic Johnson, who has made a second career in investing in urban, low income areas is interested in bringing a food coop to the area. supposedly a supermarket and a local grown fruits and veggie market. I'm hoping some thing will happen with that. It's a shame that if you go up and down the white horse pike in the summer you can find all manners of farm to stand places with fresh fruit and veggies but nothing close to that area.

They do have a sign for the shoprite on Admiral wilson blvd but I haven't seen any building or ground breaking going on so I'm only cautiously optimistic about that one.

 

[luvsJack]

I am not trying to be argumentative, but that is pretty bad if they are taking food from a food bank (even if they don't qualify for assistance) yet still have money for cigarettes and booze. That is just as bad. I cannot imagine showing up and taking food that I am not paying for from ANYWHERE while wasting the money I have on wants. This is where the resentment comes from.

And I am not disagreeing with that. I am just saying that this discussion is about food stamp recipients and all food bank receivers are not on food stamps. And to judge folks on food stamps by what these folks, who may or may not get fs, are doing is wrong, imo. Even to judge ALL food stamp recipients as chain smokers who drink beer all the time is wrong.

 

[bcla]

there are also rumors that Magic Johnson, who has made a second career in investing in urban, low income areas is interested in bringing a food coop to the area. supposedly a supermarket and a local grown fruits and veggie market. I'm hoping some thing will happen with that. It's a shame that if you go up and down the white horse pike in the summer you can find all manners of farm to stand places with fresh fruit and veggies but nothing close to that area.

They keep on talking about setting up some sort of co-op in parts of Oakland, California that have no supermarkets. Apparently one did get set up, but it doesn't have extended hours like a typical supermarket.

http://www.mandelafoods.com/

I remember there used to be a Safeway supermarket in the south area of Berkeley, California. It tended to serve the poorer parts of Berkeley, as well as the north part of Oakland. There were other supermarkets maybe 2 miles away, but many didn't have cars and took public transportation to get to work. Safeway cited the high operating costs for this neighborhood. They had an extremely high proportion of customers who bought only a few items, and this really cost them compared to more affluent areas where their stores tended to have customers with full shopping carts. They also had a high incidence of shoplifting.

It really hit the neighborhood hard when this store closed. There was a produce retailer nearby, but it wasn't really a full service supermarket. There were some affluent areas nearby, but those shoppers had cars.

Eventually the produce retailer took over the space and turned it into a full supermarket. It was a destination store for people all over the region. Even though they did have those shoppers who bought only a few items, they could survive since their costs were spread out to the customers with large filled shopping carts.

 

[Laura66]

And I am not disagreeing with that. I am just saying that this discussion is about food stamp recipients and all food bank receivers are not on food stamps. And to judge folks on food stamps by what these folks, who may or may not get fs, are doing is wrong, imo. Even to judge ALL food stamp recipients as chain smokers who drink beer all the time is wrong.

 

[Dawnlight]

Here is what I don't understand: Why is everyone so hot and bothered about how the money is spent? I can understand being upset/concerned about those who are scamming the system, lying to qualify, reselling food for cash, etc., but why are you so worried that someone will buy steak instead of burger? Recipients get a set amount of food credit every month. If they buy expensive food (like fresh veggies, organic meats, steak, lobster, etc.) the money will run out sooner. They don't get more money if they run out; they get their "allowance" monthly and it if runs out before the end of the time period, too bad, so sad to be you. Being as it's taxpayer money, one can hope that it will be used on nutritious food, but more than likely the money will be spent on whatever is cheapest that the family likes; that's the only way to make the benefit last until the end of the month. I shop the same way: I buy whatever is cheapest that I know my family will eat. Why do you care if I am purchasing chicken and green beans or hot dogs and tater tots?

At least steak and lobster are healthier than pizza rolls and chips!

I'll tell you one reason- once their monthly allotment is gone, they are able to go to local food banks to get other food to last the remainder of the month. What's the problem with that, you ask? There are lots of working poor who don't qualify for governmental food aid, maybe just barely, that rely on the food banks for their families. When someone uses their SNAP/EBT food aid irresponsibly, they take from resources that others rely on. It thins things out for everyone. People who are receiving this aid, and I have been in this situation myself- both as a child and an adult- have a moral responsibility to use that money responsibly. Yes, there are extenuating circumstances, but that is not the case for the majority of food stamp users.

 

[Anesthesia Fine]

Yes, there are extenuating circumstances, but that is not the case for the majority of food stamp users.

Cite?

 

[bcla]

The main problems with such a public thing such as the use of EBT or food stamps is that it "looks bad" when someone appears to be spending money on luxury items, or going for the most expensive item/brand in the case of WIC. I don't think anyone doesn't understand that it looks bad. I also understand that those going shopping with these benefits want a certain dignity in not being told that one is only being allowed to purchase the cheapest items or that one may be forced into off-brands or price limits. Personally I'm not sure what a blanket prohibition on steak or seafood does, since there are some really good options for high quality protein such as frozen catfish fillets or lean cuts of meat.

We know what happens when the appearance of "abuse" happens. It becomes bad publicity, and the support of the public is often necessary to keep these programs going. One needs to understand that government assistance programs aren't necessarily popular when others see benefits going to someone who outwardly appears like they don't need it or otherwise spend their remaining money on other goods.

Case in point - this:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/disney-parks-disability-access-service-card-fact-sheet/

 

[luvsJack]

I'll tell you one reason- once their monthly allotment is gone, they are able to go to local food banks to get other food to last the remainder of the month. What's the problem with that, you ask? There are lots of working poor who don't qualify for governmental food aid, maybe just barely, that rely on the food banks for their families. When someone uses their SNAP/EBT food aid irresponsibly, they take from resources that others rely on. It thins things out for everyone. People who are receiving this aid, and I have been in this situation myself- both as a child and an adult- have a moral responsibility to use that money responsibly. Yes, there are extenuating circumstances, but that is not the case for the majority of food stamp users.

So you are saying that the majority only run out because they are not using the money responsibly?

 

[undertheradar]

So you are saying that the majority only run out because they are not using the money responsibly?

I have to ask, when are you at work that you can keep posting throughout the day? Up thread you gave the info that you used these programs and it looks as if you believe that trumps anyone else having a different opinion. Let's just agree that we aren't all going to view this issue the same way.

People run out of food for all sorts of reasons: spoilage, expired foods, too many frivolous purchases, etc. For those who don't qualify for these programs, there are few safety nets. If those on these programs become to rely on those same safety nets, the safety nets will cease to operate. The government food programs are meant to be a safety net, not a long term lifetime benefit. Unfortunately, there is a portion of our society that see these benefits as a personal atm and a permanent lifetime benefit.

It all still circles back to personal responsibility.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Again, I was just quoting what was said/mentioned, stating the obvious, relaying a real and true personal experience.
How one wants to read that... I imagine people will read into it what they want to.
I am just the kind of person who deals in facts, and what I have personally experienced.
Not PC arguments, and or woulda/coulda/shoulda.

Carry on!!!

 

[luvsJack]

I have to ask, when are you at work that you can keep posting throughout the day? Up thread you gave the info that you used these programs and it looks as if you believe that trumps anyone else having a different opinion. Let's just agree that we aren't all going to view this issue the same way.

People run out of food for all sorts of reasons: spoilage, expired foods, too many frivolous purchases, etc. For those who don't qualify for these programs, there are few safety nets. If those on these programs become to rely on those same safety nets, the safety nets will cease to operate. The government food programs are meant to be a safety net, not a long term lifetime benefit. Unfortunately, there is a portion of our society that see these benefits as a personal atm and a permanent lifetime benefit.

It all still circles back to personal responsibility.

Your first question is really none of your business. But you can be assured that I do work.

I never said anything trumps anything. People who have never been on assistance have unrealistic ideas about how it works. Not everyone's experience with using food stamps or experiencing it watching others is not going to be the same. There is no one solution for everyone.

I didn't ask you that question. But since you responded, the pp said this ". . . but that is not the case for the majority of food stamp users." Which seems to say that misuse of funds is the reason for them running out.

Most former food stamp recipient become, at least for a short time, one of the one's who are barely above the mark to qualify and its a hard spot to be in. There is no safety net, you are correct. Its probably the number one reason some people will quit a job to get back on benefits. But why is it that these folks, that are a few dollars from receiving benefits deserving of your care but those that qualify are looked at as dead beats? One has no control over the other. A person who qualifies getting off assistance doesn't "free a spot" for someone who doesn't qualify.

 

[undertheradar]

Your first question is really none of your business. But you can be assured that I do work.

I never said anything trumps anything. People who have never been on assistance have unrealistic ideas about how it works. Not everyone's experience with using food stamps or experiencing it watching others is not going to be the same. There is no one solution for everyone.

I didn't ask you that question. But since you responded, the pp said this ". . . but that is not the case for the majority of food stamp users." Which seems to say that misuse of funds is the reason for them running out.

Most former food stamp recipient become, at least for a short time, one of the one's who are barely above the mark to qualify and its a hard spot to be in. There is no safety net, you are correct. Its probably the number one reason some people will quit a job to get back on benefits. But why is it that these folks, that are a few dollars from receiving benefits deserving of your care but those that qualify are looked at as dead beats? One has no control over the other. A person who qualifies getting off assistance doesn't "free a spot" for someone who doesn't qualify.

Since your word choice is "dead beats," I'm not so sure that you fully have empathy for those receiving benefits. The harsh reality is that improving one's lot in life requires hard work, sacrifice, and discipline. There are far too many receiving benefits who need a swift kick in the rear end to get motivated. Our government still hasn't learned that just throwing money at a problem doesn't solve or eliminate the problem.

As to my question about work, you must have a lot of idle time in your job at the community college that you reference so often. I asked about it because you reference it often on all threads about education.

 

[Gracie09]

Since your word choice is "dead beats," I'm not so sure that you fully have empathy for those receiving benefits. The harsh reality is that improving one's lot in life requires hard work, sacrifice, and discipline. There are far too many receiving benefits who need a swift kick in the rear end to get motivated. Our government still hasn't learned that just throwing money at a problem doesn't solve or eliminate the problem.

As to my question about work, you must have a lot of idle time in your job at the community college that you reference so often. I asked about it because you reference it often on all threads about education.

I'm sorry but are you her employer? Why do you care if she appears to have idle time at work? Many jobs have slower times and busy times. Many jobs allow the employee to determine the pace of the work as long as it gets done. My employer doesn't care if I spend time on this or that during the day as long as my job gets done. If I mess around too much I have to stay later to get stuff done. As a salaried, exempt employee I'm permitted determine how to spend my day.

If you have so much time invested in how people on the internet is spending their days, maybe its time to take a look at how you are spending yours.

 

[undertheradar]

I'm sorry but are you her employer? Why do you care if she appears to have idle time at work? Many jobs have slower times and busy times. Many jobs allow the employee to determine the pace of the work as long as it gets done. My employer doesn't care if I spend time on this or that during the day as long as my job gets done. If I mess around too much I have to stay later to get stuff done. As a salaried, exempt employee I'm permitted determine how to spend my day.

If you have so much time invested in how people on the internet is spending their days, maybe its time to take a look at how you are spending yours.

The poster paints herself as an expert in all threads pertaining to education, based upon her experiences in Mississippi. Any college experience is somehow odd or tainted if not done the way things are at the cc she is employed at. This is why many of her posts appear to be end it all's, not open for discussion. So I find it funny that there are so many needy students at the cc and rather than help them, she continues to push agenda here. Just my opinion and something that I have seen here over the years I have been a poster here.

Thanks for worrying about my time use, I don't have to worry about how I'm spending mine. Perhaps we could all devote more time to charitable activities and bring an end to the need for the food programs that are the hot button issue on this thread.

 

[sunshinehighway]

I have to ask, when are you at work that you can keep posting throughout the day? Up thread you gave the info that you used these programs and it looks as if you believe that trumps anyone else having a different opinion. Let's just agree that we aren't all going to view this issue the same way.

People run out of food for all sorts of reasons: spoilage, expired foods, too many frivolous purchases, etc. For those who don't qualify for these programs, there are few safety nets. If those on these programs become to rely on those same safety nets, the safety nets will cease to operate. The government food programs are meant to be a safety net, not a long term lifetime benefit. Unfortunately, there is a portion of our society that see these benefits as a personal atm and a permanent lifetime benefit.

It all still circles back to personal responsibility.

You're out of line with asking her about her job and mentioning her previous use of assistance. Whether it was your intention or not, it comes off as you are implying she's a moocher.

 

[undertheradar]

As with anything else in life, it is the few who spoil it for the many. The EBT recipients who turn around and sell the products they purchase for cash are contributing to the negative impressions that the general public draws from these programs. Look at the baby formula scams. Expired cases of baby formula were being sold to mom/pop variety stores with the dates changed on the cans. Many of these were stolen from trash dumpsters and then the government monies are redeemed at full value. This scam takes place daily.

How do we help those who are over the income limits, unable to make ends meet? In my town we have a very well supported food bank, along with community supported and staffed, holiday meals. Anyone is welcome to attend and there is no income cap on the holiday meals. What we have learned is that our food bank benefits much better from cash donations, as opposed to hard goods donations. The food bank is able to get much lower pricing and stretch those dollars much further than individual donors can. This isn't to say that they won't accept your food donations, just that money goes further. Support of our weekly farmer's market also benefits lower income households, as our community provides assistance checks to offset the government food programs. This doesn't mean that someone does not go without food, as some households are too proud to ask for the help.

 

[undertheradar]

You're out of line with asking her about her job and mentioning her previous use of assistance. Whether it was your intention or not, it comes off as your are implying she's a moocher.

Not once did I imply mooching. I didn't introduce the idea that any benefits were received, I simply asked why her experience with assistance trumps the experiences of anyone else. That may not be her intent, but her posts read as being an authority on subject. Up thread I introduced my wife's experiences growing up, her experiences were vastly different than what others posted. That is why we have these discussions, so we can see different views and life experiences.

 

[Dawnlight]

So you are saying that the majority only run out because they are not using the money responsibly?

No, not at all. As stated earlier, my family only qualified for $320/month to feed a family of 8, when our only source of income was unemployment (which is just a fraction of the regular salary). No, we did not have other assets either that made us receive a lower amount. So I know first hand that government food aid doesn't always last the month. I also know that families half our size received more than twice as much. I know there are qualifying standards, but I also know that there is discrimination, and I believe that is what happened in our case.

I didn't ask you that question. But since you responded, the pp said this ". . . but that is not the case for the majority of food stamp users." Which seems to say that misuse of funds is the reason for them running out.

.

That was in regards to the mention of extenuating circumstances, not irresponsible use. Read again.