Missouri may be banning steak and seafood from Food Stamp Program

[mnrose]

no I haven't, I might. What im doing is being a brat. People keep saying others cant they don't have anything but a micro wave. What they mean to say is people wouldn't.

Yes, agreed. And, I feel the same way that I feel when my kids are being bratty.

 

[luvsJack]

Never said it was simple and the percent of people homeless that receive food stamps is very low, like most pp have posted most food stamp users are the working poor, that live in houses not hotels.

1. Not all working poor live in a house.

2. Living in a house does not mean they have the electricity or gas to cook with Or even a working stove.

 

[Happy Snowman]

You have no idea what I have or haven't done in my life. Do not assume.

So just give the hungry kid the food that makes him gag? I mean he is poor and hungry, he will eat anything? A little heartless don't you think?

A huge portion of those able bodied folks on food stamps have jobs. You do realize that don't you? I did. Worked 2 jobs in fact. So yes I bought a lot of stuff that was ready to eat or easy to fix because when going from one job to another you don't have time to cook. And I certainly didn't have time to make cookies. Job 1 started at 5:30 am, 2nd job ended at 10 pm. 20 minute commute from home to and from those jobs. Any time off was spent with my kids not cooking.

No, not heartless, but it is reality. When we were first out of college and married, we didn't make very much money and there were times when we had $10 to buy groceries. We certainly didn't buy steak and lobster and we ate food that was filling and cheep. It's just what you do.

So, just because you are poor, you can't cook? That doesn't make any sense at all. You can include your children while you are cooking for them too. Why would it have to be one or the other?

 

[Laura66]

There is abuse everywhere! People are always going to look for loopholes to take advantage of something. Poor, lower class, middle class and the rich.
Again - here at the dis there are threads asking and offering advise on how to beat the system.
But when it comes to poor people using programs available to them we get so judgement and cruel. Thinking "we" know what they should and should not spend their money on, what they need to do to get out of their situation and who is abusing the system. Or acting like the percentage of abuse to the system is more repugnant and rampant than higher classes.

 

[luvsJack]

No, not heartless, but it is reality. When we were first out of college and married, we didn't make very much money and there were times when we had $10 to buy groceries. We certainly didn't buy steak and lobster and we ate food that was filling and cheep. It's just what you do.

So, just because you are poor, you can't cook? That doesn't make any sense at all. You can include your children while you are cooking for them too. Why would it have to be one or the other?

I did not say anything about not being ble to cook. Time is a big factor there that you missed.

We ate food that was cheap too but easy. But no way in hades would I set a plate in front of my kid knowing he hated the food on it. Why should my child sit and cry because he hated the food in front of him? And yes its heartless. and unnecessary.

 

[MattsPrincess]

I just want to point out again, because my post was a bit long and this part may have been overlooked:

The "system" (or at least the EBT portion) is set up in a way that actually PREVENTS users from "bettering themselves." Enrolling in college makes you ineligible for those benefits. So, if a "working poor mom" is trying to feed her family and needs EBT to do it, she can't also go to nursing school and work her way up to a high paying RN spot as a PP suggested, because if she started going to school she'd lose her benefits.

When I called to report this change to them, that I was back in school, the woman on the phone said "oooh, I wish you hadn't told me that. we're going to have to retract your benefits now. you can't be using EBT and attending a college program." I even asked her if that made sense to her, that because I was trying to better myself in a way that would help me get a better paying job (and therefore help me not need assistance), and now I had even more expenditures what with the cost of books and such and could afford to support myself even less, that I was no longer allowed to ask for help. She said it didn't, but there was nothing she could do and I just should have lied or hid the fact that I enrolled.

That's the kind of stuff that needs to be changed about these programs. Being penalized for taking steps to improve your situation needs to be worked on. Being told how/what to eat won't fix any of the actual problems.

But what do I know. I guess I'll just go eat some microwaved beans and rice, since that's all I should be "allowed" to buy/eat.

 

[Dawnlight]

This is getting ridiculous.

Family of 8, sole income earner is laid off, unemployment pays enough to cover mortgage and property taxes, no health insurance. EBT amount per month= $320 (approximately 1/4 of our food budget; and we're generally very thrifty). How can that be? Because there is abuse and because some people think they should dine on steak and lobsters. This happened 4 times over the course of 6 years; the first time being 3 months after our first home purchase. Great timing!

I had to stretch that $320 to get us through the month. Yes, my kids ate things that they weren't too pleased about. Yes, it sucked, but we lived and got through it. We ate lots and lots of oatmeal, eggs, legumes, and whole grains. We didn't buy things like the regular cheese that we used to as the cost per pound was too much to justify it. That's called life- life throws crap at you and you learn to adjust to it and strive to overcome it.

There are lots of families that are denied aid due to a few dollars difference in income. Maybe if people were more responsible in how they used the funds given to them, there would be more families able to get help. Maybe the family that gets a 1/4 of their food budget could get a little more. You don't want your child to eat oatmeal because he might gag? Well, that may mean that another child will go without ANY food!

The sense of entitlement is astonishing. Yes, life can deal out some very difficult situations, but that does not mean anyone should live high on the hog because of it. There was one woman on a message board that I used to post at; she qualified for food aid, and had no qualms about the fact that that money "freed" up money for her to buy a hot tub to enjoy. Shameful.

 

[luvsJack]

I just want to point out again, because my post was a bit long and this part may have been overlooked:

The "system" (or at least the EBT portion) is set up in a way that actually PREVENTS users from "bettering themselves." Enrolling in college makes you ineligible for those benefits. So, if a "working poor mom" is trying to feed her family and needs EBT to do it, she can't also go to nursing school and work her way up to a high paying RN spot as a PP suggested, because if she started going to school she'd lose her benefits.

When I called to report this change to them, that I was back in school, the woman on the phone said "oooh, I wish you hadn't told me that. we're going to have to retract your benefits now. you can't be using EBT and attending a college program." I even asked her if that made sense to her, that because I was trying to better myself in a way that would help me get a better paying job (and therefore help me not need assistance), and now I had even more expenditures what with the cost of books and such and could afford to support myself even less, that I was no longer allowed to ask for help. She said it didn't, but there was nothing she could do and I just should have lied or hid the fact that I enrolled.

That's the kind of stuff that needs to be changed about these programs. Being penalized for taking steps to improve your situation needs to be worked on. Being told how/what to eat won't fix any of the actual problems.

But what do I know. I guess I'll just go eat some microwaved beans and rice, since that's all I should be "allowed" to buy/eat.

This is so true. Its a vicious circle that is hard to get out of. Seems like the more you move forward, the further you get pushed back.

I hope it gets better for you.

 

[aaarcher86]

I just want to point out again, because my post was a bit long and this part may have been overlooked:

The "system" (or at least the EBT portion) is set up in a way that actually PREVENTS users from "bettering themselves." Enrolling in college makes you ineligible for those benefits. So, if a "working poor mom" is trying to feed her family and needs EBT to do it, she can't also go to nursing school and work her way up to a high paying RN spot as a PP suggested, because if she started going to school she'd lose her benefits.

When I called to report this change to them, that I was back in school, the woman on the phone said "oooh, I wish you hadn't told me that. we're going to have to retract your benefits now. you can't be using EBT and attending a college program." I even asked her if that made sense to her, that because I was trying to better myself in a way that would help me get a better paying job (and therefore help me not need assistance), and now I had even more expenditures what with the cost of books and such and could afford to support myself even less, that I was no longer allowed to ask for help. She said it didn't, but there was nothing she could do and I just should have lied or hid the fact that I enrolled.

That's the kind of stuff that needs to be changed about these programs. Being penalized for taking steps to improve your situation needs to be worked on. Being told how/what to eat won't fix any of the actual problems.

But what do I know. I guess I'll just go eat some microwaved beans and rice, since that's all I should be "allowed" to buy/eat.

This totally varies by state then. In ohio, you have to be working a certain amount of time OR in school to eliminate them placing you for work and continue your benefits.

I think the program benefits abusers and sucks for those who truly need it though. I was beyond appalled when I tried to help my friend get assistance.

 

[Dawnlight]

I just want to point out again, because my post was a bit long and this part may have been overlooked:

The "system" (or at least the EBT portion) is set up in a way that actually PREVENTS users from "bettering themselves." Enrolling in college makes you ineligible for those benefits. So, if a "working poor mom" is trying to feed her family and needs EBT to do it, she can't also go to nursing school and work her way up to a high paying RN spot as a PP suggested, because if she started going to school she'd lose her benefits.

When I called to report this change to them, that I was back in school, the woman on the phone said "oooh, I wish you hadn't told me that. we're going to have to retract your benefits now. you can't be using EBT and attending a college program." I even asked her if that made sense to her, that because I was trying to better myself in a way that would help me get a better paying job (and therefore help me not need assistance), and now I had even more expenditures what with the cost of books and such and could afford to support myself even less, that I was no longer allowed to ask for help. She said it didn't, but there was nothing she could do and I just should have lied or hid the fact that I enrolled.

That's the kind of stuff that needs to be changed about these programs. Being penalized for taking steps to improve your situation needs to be worked on. Being told how/what to eat won't fix any of the actual problems.

But what do I know. I guess I'll just go eat some microwaved beans and rice, since that's all I should be "allowed" to buy/eat.

When was this? Very recently, I've seen articles about how college students were actually being encouraged to apply for EBT.

From this, it seems that there are many ways to qualify for aid and still go to college.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/students

 

[Happy Snowman]

I did not say anything about not being ble to cook. Time is a big factor there that you missed.

We ate food that was cheap too but easy. But no way in hades would I set a plate in front of my kid knowing he hated the food on it. Why should my child sit and cry because he hated the food in front of him? And yes its heartless. and unnecessary.

No, I did not miss the time factor at all. Like I said, you can cook AND spend time with your children. Just because you don't like oatmeal doesn't mean others feel the same and if it's a choice between going hungry and eating a food you don't like, well, most people, children included, will eat what they have. I'm sure most people at some point and time have had to make hard choices like that and you just suck it up and do what you need to do......or you can continue to make excuses so you don't get out of the cycle....

Any yes, sometimes kids have to do things they don't like, including eating something they might not like. Life is hard, kids get over it. It's not heartless, it's called growing up.

 

[LBIJim]

So what about those taxpayers who can't afford food without help? There are so many people out there who work there hind end off that just can'tt make it. Who aren't able to get higher paying jobs? Or the elderly? I pay taxes and don't mind my money going to help those that are in need.

Someone upthread said the average taxpayer contributes $50 per year towards the food stamp program. That seems low, but I'm too lazy to look it up for myself. In any event, I'd gladly pay an extra $1000 per year in taxes if it's devoted to helping feed those in need. I don't care if there's abuse or if the recipients want to buy steak and lobster on my dime. Plus tax me another couple thousand per year if it means adequate health care for everyone.

 

[Dawnlight]

No, I did not miss the time factor at all. Like I said, you can cook AND spend time with your children. Just because you don't like oatmeal doesn't mean others feel the same and if it's a choice between going hungry and eating a food you don't like, well, most people, children included, will eat what they have. I'm sure most people at some point and time have had to make hard choices like that and you just suck it up and do what you need to do......or you can continue to make excuses so you don't get out of the cycle....

Any yes, sometimes kids have to do things they don't like, including eating something they might not like. Life is hard, kids get over it. It's not heartless, it's called growing up.

Agreed.

Maybe these people should also get vouchers to their favorite restaurants, after all, we shouldn't place any restrictions on where or what they should eat. What if they only enjoy dining out? Who are we to deny them that luxury?

I was raised by a single mom, who got zero child support (estranged father had checked in to state hospital, and being a ward of the state, he was able to avoid paying support; once he checked out, he disappeared and lost all contact with family). She worked, we got some government support, but during the summer, while she worked, I was in the care of a neighbor. The neighbor fed us boxed mac & cheese (4/$1) with cut up hot dogs for lunch. It made me gag every single time. Even as a young child, I recognized that our life situation was tough, and I didn't want to bring it up to my mom. I ate the food and dealt with it.

Why must people think they deserve what they want in every situation?! Your life circumstance may have happened through no fault of your own; this does not entitle you to have what you want, not in regards to food or anything else.

 

[Dawnlight]

Someone upthread said the average taxpayer contributes $50 per year towards the food stamp program. That seems low, but I'm too lazy to look it up for myself. In any event, I'd gladly pay an extra $1000 per year in taxes if it's devoted to helping feed those in need. I don't care if there's abuse or if the recipients want to buy steak and lobster on my dime. Plus tax me another couple thousand per year if it means adequate health care for everyone.

How about you gladly donate that extra $1000 to a local food bank to help those people who, by just a few dollars, might not qualify for food aid, but are still struggling to feed their families.

ETA: Or to families who have qualified for food aid, but have exhausted the measly amount provided and need to resort to local food charities to carry them over until the next month.

 

[undertheradar]

Where we live now, there are many "working poor" households. Kids are fed breakfast and lunch at school, snacks are sent home daily, and a weekend backpack of food is sent home from school on Fridays. Recent articles published in our local newspapers promoted the signups for Summer meal programs. The kicker, no income caps. Why are we feeding people who can pay for themselves?

I'm all for helping others, but we need to require education as part of the assistance. There are too many households that continue to have children, even though they do not have the means to provide for, support, and raise them. We have to do more than just throw money at the issue, as it is a growing pool of recipients being funded by a smaller pool of contributors.

 

[Uncle Remus]

What happened to supporting the troops?:


Why soldiers are increasingly relying on food stamps

What these critics may not realize is that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is also increasingly relied upon by members of the U.S. armed forces, with patrons of military commissaries using food stamps to purchase $103.6 million worth of groceries in fiscal 2013.

That's a 5 percent rise from 2012, and almost double the $52.9 million spent in 2009. That's a faster pace of growth than the general population, since overall SNAP spending rose just 51 percent from 2009 through 2013, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

One reason for jump in food-stamp usage among soldiers could be the relatively low pay awarded to junior members of the military, with the least experienced active duty soldiers bringing home a little over $18,300 per year. That would qualify a soldier living in a two-person household for food stamps.

But another significant issue facing military families is a relatively high unemployment rate for spouses, with female spouses between the ages of 18 to 24 suffering from a 30 percent unemployment rate, according to a February study published by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families. That’s almost three times higher than their civilian cohorts, the study found.

 

[bcla]

I did not say that families earning under $100,000 didn't qualify for it. That stat was for people that utilize the deduction.

Yeah. However, the most important info is whether or not the interest amount is bigger than the standard deduction, and that's a factor of home price, interest rate, and loan length. I don't really factor the deduction when I refi. I'd like the lowest rate. The deduction is merely a bonus.

 

[Dawnlight]

Where we live now, there are many "working poor" households. Kids are fed breakfast and lunch at school, snacks are sent home daily, and a weekend backpack of food is sent home from school on Fridays. Recent articles published in our local newspapers promoted the signups for Summer meal programs. The kicker, no income caps. Why are we feeding people who can pay for themselves?

Yes!

My kids participate in a community boating program over the summer. It takes place in a town nearby that has one of the highest, if not THE highest, rates of EBT use in our state. Free lunches were offered to anyone who was there, no questions or qualifications needed. Any food package not eaten was thrown away, even things like bananas, apples, and sealed food items. I guess the assumption was that if you were at this program, that you were one of those who needed supplementary summer lunch. Ugh, the waste.

 

[HelenePA]

Where we live now, there are many "working poor" households. Kids are fed breakfast and lunch at school, snacks are sent home daily, and a weekend backpack of food is sent home from school on Fridays. Recent articles published in our local newspapers promoted the signups for Summer meal programs. The kicker, no income caps. Why are we feeding people who can pay for themselves?

I'm all for helping others, but we need to require education as part of the assistance. There are too many households that continue to have children, even though they do not have the means to provide for, support, and raise them. We have to do more than just throw money at the issue, as it is a growing pool of recipients being funded by a smaller pool of contributors.

breakfast and lunch at my school is now free to everyone, even those who have doctors as parents.. why? because the town my kids school is in has one of the lowest averages of income in the state. I wont even get into that here. We do not live in that town. We live in the next town over.. its crazy how they did the zoning, but it is what it is.. My oldest daughter who's in a lifeskills class helps fill these weekend backpacks. Her teacher sends extra stuff home with her every now and then. I usually offer it for free on facebook on some of the sites as its nothing we eat here. LOTS of soup. Easy to microwave. The things is there are GOOD paying jobs all around me. There is more to this towns story but again.. not going there on here.

 

[eliza61]

No, I did not miss the time factor at all. Like I said, you can cook AND spend time with your children. Just because you don't like oatmeal doesn't mean others feel the same and if it's a choice between going hungry and eating a food you don't like, well, most people, children included, will eat what they have. I'm sure most people at some point and time have had to make hard choices like that and you just suck it up and do what you need to do......or you can continue to make excuses so you don't get out of the cycle....

Any yes, sometimes kids have to do things they don't like, including eating something they might not like. Life is hard, kids get over it. It's not heartless, it's called growing up.

LOl,

It's a new mentality Happy. It's seems now that if your kid is in any way unhappy or god forbid forced to do some thing they don't like, it's cruel and akin to child abuse. gimme a friggin break. forcing a kid to eat a meal he doesn't like is cruel? What's next let's not force our poor little darlings to take a bath when they stink because it's cruel???? Oh' let's not force them to do some thing unpleasant like go to bed at a decent hour because ***gasp*** they don't want to.
dumbest darn thing I've heard.

Saturday night in my house was liver night we hated it. we ate it. No one in my family is a raving psycho child abuser. Liver was cheap and my mom heard that it was good for you so guess what we ate it.
My kids hate meat loaf. they ate meat loaf when I made it. some days I ask them what they want to eat, some days I could care less if they like what they get served.

Now back to the topic.

The problem I have with these blanket "laws" is in general they don't work. that's like the stupid voter id law that's been shot down in quite a number of places.
First, is there a serious case of folks buying lobster and caviar with food stamps? I work with the seriously poor in Camden NJ. THEY DON'T HAVE A SUPERMARKET, more less one that carries lobster tails. LOL
As always there is abuse of the system but yes, once again it's poor shaming. the banking and housing industry abuse also cost the tax payers gabillions of dollars and I won't even get into the college aide abuse that I have a bunch of candidates taking advantage of but those are ok because it's a middle class or rich crime.