As the economic crisis in America deepens and more families are pushed to the brink of desperation by grueling, enduring financial stress, few topics are as hotly debated in public and private as food stamps and their acceptable uses.
It may seem vulgar that in a time of unprecedented corporate welfare- where bailouts were handed willy-nilly to multi-billionaires through the controversial TARP deal- to nitpick what little benefit is thrown to the millions of Americans who have been pushed, teetering off the edge of the lower middle-class and into destitution- but log into Facebook any day of the week and you will find someone, somewhere complaining about the fact that the government subsidizes food for struggling families and old people.
While the scope of food stamps has traditionally been limited- the government assistance, for instance, does not purchase toilet paper, toothpaste, pet food or as Eminem pointed out, diapers- more and more options are being made available to food stamp recipients to purchase easier to buy and eat items on their limited monthly allotment. But food stamp-accepting restaurants are a relatively new idea- likely one to rankle the populace further, as the fact that “luxury” items like candy and soda are allowed for people on the assistance is an oft-cited point of rage for the anti-welfare crowd.
Louisville, Kentucky-based Yum! Brands, whose roster of stores includes Taco Bell, KFC, Long John Silver’s and Pizza Hut, has been lobbying Uncle Sam to allow their stores to accept funds allocated to low-income families through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the official name for food stamps. And while food stamp restaurants could actually save money for the government in the long run, it’s very likely such a measure will come up against intense public outcry if it moves forward.
Yum! spokesman Jonathan Blum commented on the matter, throwing the brand’s support behind the growing trend of food stamp restaurants:
“It makes perfect sense to expand a program that’s working well in California, Arizona and Michigan, enabling the homeless, elderly and disabled to purchase prepared meals with SNAP benefits in a restaurant environment.”
Some opponents cite concern about food choices as reason the measure should not be allowed. But advocate for the hungry Edward Cooney disagrees:
“They think going hungry is better? I’m solidly behind what Yum! is doing.”
It seems the best solution for all is to figure out what makes the most fiscal and practical sense for Americans, without worrying about whether a poor person will be encouraged to rely on SNAP longer because fried chicken is tastier than what they cook at home- if they have facilities to properly store and prepare fresh food, luxuries many SNAP recipients lack. But is America ready to accept food stamp restaurants?
No I don't think they should be able to use food stamps to go out and eat…What about the people that don't or cant get food stamps and they cant afford to do it…
HELL NO….Someone has to stop….what incentive would they have to GET OFF GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE. ALL THEIR FRIENDS WILL BE APPLYING FOR FOOD STAMPS…
I think it would be a good idea but with a limited list of restaraunts. There is a lot of wasted food so I think it would help on that aspect but I don't want to go to Red Lobster or a nice restaraunt for dinner and see that. But places like KFC, or Fast Food places would be acceptable. No one should go hungry.
Normally I would say No, but considering the economy and the amount of people requesting government assistance, I would say Yes, but it should be restricted to diners and local mom and pop resturants of reasonable pricing — NOT FAST FOOD OR UPSCALE RESTURANTS. I think it would be good to help the economy by having extra patrons in the resturants and to boost the morale of the persons suffering in this ecomomy so they can get out and enjoy life. Of course they would have to budget their food stamp monies to allow for the indulgence just like anyone else who may be on limited income without food stampls.
They can go to the store and get lunch meat and other food.
instead of going to a restaurant.
No I don't think they should be able to use food stamps to go out and eat…Food stamps are already being sold and abused. Not all, but a lot of people that use food stamps do not even try to watch their spending when using their "free" food money.They buy the most expensive meats and brands, and won't even sign up for the store's bonus program to save. I saw this on a daily basis while working as a cashier. Not to mention looking out the window and seeing what nice cars they get in to drive their free stuff home!
Although I have no qualms about the Food stamp Program, and think it's a fabulous program for needy families, I do not condone the idea of restaurants accepting them. I think it's wasteful and over-indulgent; especially if you are obviously in need of extra help. If you cannot afford food and are collecting food stamps paid for by tax payers who can, then you forfeit the ability and luxury of enjoying restaurant meals. Instead of wasting a hundred dollars in benefits for one family meal…go to a grocery store and feed your family for a week instead. O.o
I'm on food stamps right now. I have been out of work for almost 3 years with no prospects, in fact, I'm applying for a disability retirement because I can't be a commercial driver anymore since I now inject insulin. I get $200 a month in food stamps. I can't see how I could eat for an entire month if this included restaurants. I usually run out about a week or so before I get my next allotment. Yeah, I buy diet soda, I'm a caffeine addict and I drink diet Dr. Pepper but if I budget, I have enough to last the month except for fresh things, like vegetable, the last few days. I do know that when I go to a fast food place, I can usually have a meal for under 5 bucks but it's high in fat and carbs, and I don't need those carbs. I wish I was getting something to buy toilet paper and things like vitamins or some other supplement but I am able to survive with that $200 a month, I just don't get a lot of luxuries. And yeah, I do consider my diet soda to be a luxury but sheesh, it ain't much of one.
Going out to a restaurant to eat is not the example of healthy eating nor is it a luxury, it is NOT necessitous. We pay into this system for people/ families, (including mine in the past) to get by while they are in a tight spot. Not to have what may be considered by others as a "fast food luxury". How does that even sound. Fast food, so no one goes hungry, that's crazy? IF it were approved, what about a cap on the max amount? I disagree in general.
As will many others who, like you, are completely lacking in any reading comprehension skills, you have completely missed the point of the article! It is NOT saying that the SNAP program should be expanded to include "going out to eat" in the context you in your ignorance have implied. It is simply and rightly stating that many people who receive SNAP assistance have no way to store food and prepare meals "at home" even when they are lucky enough to have a "home". These people are therefore primarily existing on snack foods such as chips, soda, candy and such rather than healty food. They can not even purchase prepared meals in the supermarket deli section. The closest thing to buying a meal that most of them can do is to buy a TV dinner and heat it in the store's microwave, if the store will even allow them to do so which many will not.
There ought to be an approved list of grocery deli's, basic restaurants, or basic meals at certain others, that would be allowable, esp. for the homeless and disabled. It is difficult to live on lunch meat or other brown bag items when so many others use fast food for the same thing. And finding a grocery store is getting harder in the places where it is cheap to live. Look at it this way; if they give the poor some kind of lunch voucher, then it won't go for cigs, drugs, or alcohol like a cash subsidy might.
I do not think families on food stamps should be able to use them for a meal that is prepared for you.. Although I think people should be aloud to eat out, if they need food stamps to make ends meet they should NOT be eating out.. Eating at a restaurant is a privelige and a luxury.. Food stamps is supposed to be to make sure you can prepare meals at home for your family, NOT to go blow lots of money to eat out..
I came from a large family and food stamps helped my Mom and Dad feed us. It helped greatly that my Mom cooked from scratch…and THAT is what helped extend the food in our pantry. I DO NOT agree that restaurants should accept food stamps, plain and simple.
I agree, I DON'T have food stamps…. BUT I don't eat out either. Like you said it's a luxury, and that is a luxury I can live without =)
They said places like taco bell, kfc and pizza hut. If you spend $100 there, you're feeding an awfully big family or the neighborhood.
I am for this. However if large chains want to be included they should be made to follow strict health guide lines on a prcentage of their menu items as well as show that those items are of reasonable cost to consumers. I do know of instances where cooking can be difficult for the poor. I know of a pregnant woman who was on them. She was also bed ridden due to health concerns (cancer)and had to eat cold food the entire time since she could not buy a rotissire chicken from the grocery store. No sugary items should be bought with these monies. None. They kill and we do not need them. We do need to be sure that everyone has access to healthy hot and cold meals everywhere people reside, travel, and work. In addition. It has been proven that if you offer food people will come. They will come to school functions. I do hope that someday there will be a way to offer hot meals within our school buildings during non school hours. They already do this just for low income children in the National Summer Nutrition Programs and I think it would great if they could use food stamp monies to pay for the parents to go to an evening meal with their children at the school. You see, these programs only offer food to the children for free and they parents need the opportunity to buy with their stamps a meal for themselves. I think after school programs would see a much greater attendence if the parents could also eat. This would get the parents into the schools. I can not begin to tell you how much it would mean to a child to have their parent in there school. I do think grocery stores should be able to sell their hot food items made there within the store.
Yes this should be an option for homeless people that qualify for food stamps. They don't have a refridgerator to put food in. While other's that qualify do and that is why (in CA) that people that are not homeless are not allowed to use food stamps in restaurants.
which is what the article says
interesting perspective, i could see the concept working with additional perimeters.
lol, yes true. but my family of 4 will spend 40 dollars at a fast food restaurant, for one meal. That 40 dollars could be much better spent if you shop responsibly. Fast food or any other type of restaurant style food is in fact a luxury that i dont feel should be an option for families receiving food stamps.
There are many people currently on Food Stamps who had jobs until recently, and still own decent cars. Cash flow is the issue, not whether you have a clunker or a decent car from a previous listyle…
The reason they are considering this option, is that some people are either homeless, or don't have electricity or refrigerators. So, if they do not have those things, or are homeless, how will they keep perishable foods cold? They will not be able to be used to buy gourmet meals at a 5 star restaurant.(A person wouldn't get enough anyway). What it WILL do is provide people who may currently be begging for money,( or worse), just to be able to eat, the opportunity to purchase sustenance, something that too many people take for granted. Live the lives of one of these people for just a week, and some of you might change your mind. There are a multitude of ways a person or family, can go from living comfortably to barely surviving in a very short period of time, especially in today's economy. There is no such thing as job security anymore. Everyone is fair game for losing their job, so don't ever say,"That will never happen to me", because it can and it does.
wow, I have a family of 4 and don't spend that much at Arby's, which is a more expensive fast food place. And that's with getting the combo meals to regular sandwiches, not the kids menu. (average $25 there) but I don't get shakes or desserts very often.
We live on a strict budget all month and one day a month as a special treat, we go out to eat, shakes and cookies and all. So, yes…40 bucks.
THIS SICKENS ME TO NO END!
I am a recipient of Fodstamps and have this one thing to say." The kitchen is the center of the home and the quality that comes out of the home tells us alot about the people in it. I see no reason to buy fastfood for a quick mealat high prices then to starve for the rest of the month. My children need me to be smarter about my money than that."
Yes there are many in that position, and for those people, I do have compassion. Those are not the ones I'm talking about.
I agree. My husband and I are on fixed incomes (no public assistance) and we can't afford to go out to eat anymore. In fact we are just about getting by. If we have extra money, during a certain month, we may order a pizza to eat in.
You may want to consider the dollar menu….we can feed 4 for about 8 dollars!
No F'in way! Beggers can't choosers.
oh, absolutely! less than that even if we are away from home and need to feed the kids lol but as i said, its a special treat and my kids are very young so they are highly impressed by shiny happy meal boxes and new toys lol
yeah, then I can see the bill being that high when you add all the extras. We make shakes at home, which is much cheaper and the kids don't feel like they're losing out on stuff like that when we go out. It really doesn't matter to me as I'm not on foodstamps (luckily), but a pizza or taco bell can be cheaper than making dinner sometimes. Of course, there are always some people who will abuse any system no matter what it is, and I think that would be the main problem. As long as people aren't starving is the main thing, I hate the thought that our country can spend billions of $$ on war machines, but don't want to spend a dime helping the poor. I know hard working people that work for very little, so I know that not everyone collecting foodstamps is a slug.
Food stamps should be used for grocery items (food you can make) not in a restaurant. Pop, chips, candy should also not be bought with food stamps.
dont get me started
I don't know how many people reading this know that many of our military families are eligible for food stamps. We say how much respect for them we have but we pay them so little they need food stamps to survive. You know what, if some military wife wants to take her kids to McD's whlle her husband is in Afghanistan, I am not going to tell her no. After my husband passed away I found it was less expensive for me to go buy a salad at a fast food place and bring it home to eat than to buy all the components for that salad and have them go to waste because I can't eat an entire head of lettuce in a few days. I was at the store the other day. Ground beef was 3.98 a pound. I can get two taco's for 99 cents. I'll buy the taco's. I am not on food stamps but just saying sometimes the better buy is not homemade. Maybe we need to think over the entire program. I know in WA where I live they get a debit card which can be used fo everything except alcohol, tobacco and a few other things. If we are going to give people the money then we need to let them make their own decisions how they use it.
I get f.s. I would never use them to eat out, anywhere! You spend, at least 5 times the amount you would spend cooking yourself! This is definitely a no no…Trips & vacations on gov't. money, too? This is the reason certain agencies are out of money. Its been going on for so many years, its ridiculous! People pull up to the welfare & ssi offices, driving brand new, fancy cars! Jewelry like mr. T! & I'm not trying to be funny, its true! Seen it myself! when our country, really needs to come to our aid, there'll be no more funds…we need to stop helping other countries, before our own…we're running out of money. our shoulders are hurting….
you r so right, Missy. excuse my 2 cents, but, I try to get every coupon I can, to use along with my f.s.! & you know what bugs me, when a store won't take the coupons, because, as I was told once, "You already get free food, you want a discount, too?" I couldn't believe my ears, so, I walked out! lol same at dr.s , they wont give the bargain, they give other patients, if you have medicaire!! you know, if they advertise $ off for certain tests or procedures!! our govt. would be saving alot & have that savings put back in the till, for another bill for someone else in need! don't u think? well, i've said my piece! lol
but, stores do sell prepared foods. The amount spent at a restaurant will take up most their f.s. in just a few days! you're between a rock & a hard place, u know?
to Al, what i meant was this, the majority of folks would be turning that nice car in for a clunker, before having to swallow their pride & ask for help. no offense meant to anyone, but, thats my thought on the matter….
When I was a child, FS did not exist. We received commodities which my mother then turned into meals. No fluff or extras. Canned meat, cheese, rice, beans, butter, powdered milk and cheese. We planted a garden and all of us children worked to make it produce. We NEVER ate out. We could not afford it. Eating out is a luxury, not a right.
I also find the article a bit biased in favor of this. Especially the comment: but log into Facebook any day of the week and you will find someone, somewhere complaining about the fact that the government subsidizes food for struggling families and old people. And: likely one to rankle the populace further, as the fact that “luxury” items like candy and soda are allowed for people on the assistance is an oft-cited point of rage for the anti-welfare crowd. I am one who does not believe they should be used for luxuries, but I do not complain about government subsidizes for struggling families and old people. Nor am I anti-welfare………for those who have a legitimate need. I am anti welfare for those who have no desire to work and do better for themselves and their families. There will always be a legitimate need and it needs to be addressed, and sadly, there will always be those who "milk" the system.
Many people who actually use food stamps live in housing that does not provide refrigeration for fresh food, or a place to cook food. It is horrifying to me to see so many people say that because they are too poor to afford these amenities, they do not deserve hot meals.While there are those who abuse these benefits, not all do, and to place children in a position of not deserving hot meals due to thier socioeconomic background, is more than verifying your political stance. It is saying proudly that you are willing to sacrifice your own humanity to keep anyone from getting something that is not also extended to you. Even if that "something" is something you don't want or need. If your house were on fire, I think you would accept whatever help was available, without requiring that all of the other nonburning houses on your block be doused with water, also.Starvation is an emergency for some people. Are you going to deny food to people who need it because you had to work for yours? What do you lose when they get fed? You can't reclaim your tax money, that has already been taken by politicians.What does anyone gain by denying hot meals to children?
I agree with you Sonya. The food stamp program, medicare, medicaid, and social security are some of the programs that are abused. But the President and the liberals and moderates in local and state governments and in Congress don't care. It buys them votes.
You know wat ,you need to leave them people alone,and you need worry bout you,
It's not as if poor families don't need to ever be away from home; it isn't as if families in need would have to be starving to get my nod for assistance. Being forced into, or even bad-lucked and laid off into poverty doesn't make the head of household Mother Teresa by default, doing everything conceivably possible to make ends meet on every purchase. Besides, this choking down of assistance is completely wrong-headed if we're going to make this economy grow!! And it isn't as if the government doesn't already support domestic food production by giving enormous (but sensible, if we are to have no interruption in supply) subsidies to agri-businessmen. And those are not likely to go away. When you pay your taxes, which is probably every week or two out of your paycheck, think of the corporate jet subsidies, or the corporate taxes that are shunned by corporations making RECORD PROFITS; not the families living well under the poverty level who might get an extra crumb! True, they are much more visible in the check-out line, where they are in embarrassing proximity as they spend their food stamps. But holding them to a higher standard than the average law-abiding citizen (no junk food?) is going too far into "Mommy-Government" land for most.
Maybe it would be more workable and sensible to have a large-scale nationwide program of hot meals in needy areas. Food is almost as subjective an area as housing when it comes to establishing a minimum.
the dumb thing is, though, you are not allowed to buy hot, prepared foods with foodstamps. No hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, either. Honestly, the people who make up the regulations should have to live the life of a foodstamp recipient for a week. So should all of the insensitive people who say they're on foodstamps because they're lazy, or don't want to work. I've been in the situation where I needed foodstamps to help buy food, and I was working 2 jobs. But when you bring home $1000/month, until you pay rent, utilities, transportation costs, childcare, etc…, it doesn't leave much of anything for food. There were times I went without eating to make sure my kids had food. For a family of 3, I was getting a little over $200/mo.
First they made the poor people stupid now they'll make them fat and tomorrow they'll throw them in the oven and think of a sweeter name for holocaust.
Many people who are on food stamps have paid their dues the same as we have, but they have lost income through no fault of their own. I see no reason why they should not be able to buy hot cooked food or even eat at Restaurants. We do not really complain about how Cogress waste our money, yet, we complain about the people who use food stamps. They should also be able to buy toilet paper, dish detergent and ect, but they can not. That is why many of them sell part of their stamps. They can only buy food, where are they going to get things like toothaste, deodrant, soap, and the many other things that goes with daily living? Give them stamps and do not worry about what they buy unless it is drugs, cigarettes, liquor. They are not stupid people, just people that are disable or have lost income. There are guidelines they have to follow before being able to receive those stamps , they can not just apply for stamps and automatically get them. Unless you have walked in their shoes do not be so quick to judge them, you are probably one or two paychecks from needing stamps yourself for you do not know what day your Company will tell you that your job is no longer needed. A few get away with abusing the system, but not as many as you are led to believe. Stop lookiing down on them unless you are looking down to help pull them up. Congress waste your money, not the needed.
They are not beggers, just people that have fallen on hard times for the most part. Before the year is out you might be among them, and you will either apply for food, steal or die.
I hope the folks at Yum! Can make this happen, then hopefully it will spread. I believe its neccesary, and less a luxuary than a need. Honestly its something that i never thought about. Without a stove or a fridge, or a home for that matter, then what are these people reduced to? Eating things that dont require cooking, like junk food and cold cereal? Not to say that fast food is the best thing for anybody, but a hot meal is always important.
I hope the folks at Yum! Can make this happen, then hopefully it will spread. I believe its neccesary, and less a luxuary than a need. Honestly its something that i never thought about. Without a stove or a fridge, or a home for that matter, then what are these people reduced to? Eating things that dont require cooking, like junk food and cold cereal? Not to say that fast food is the best thing for anybody, but a hot meal is always important.
U get F.S Biatch wheres my home cooked meal wtheck
I, and almost everyone I know, am on food stamps. the comment "if they cant afford to feed them selves, they don't deserve the luxury of eating at a restaurant." is so offensive that it makes me angry. I have a family of four. My best friend has a family of 5. Our families scrimp and save every penny we get so that the bills can be paid. If we werent recieving food stamps, guess what we would be doing after we paid all the bills? STARVING. Sorry, but I will never be too proud to ask for help to make sure my children are getting food and nutrition. No, I do not agree with this resaurant program. There are SUCH better ways to spen your assistance money. However, I DO think that instead of allowing restaurants to rake in the foodstamp dough, the should allow things like toilet paper, general toiletries, feminine products, over the counter medicines etc. They need to focus on what people reequiring assistance NEED, not what they (we) WANT. So to touch on my earlier point, Just because sh*t happened and we need help, does not mean we no longer DESERVE luxuries, it just means that we don't NEED them, in fact, no-one NEEDS them, we all just WANT them.
#1) Look at how many families are living in Hotels because they have lost their homes. They can't really cook in a hotel room UNLESS it has a kitchenette, and most of those cost more to rent. #2) I DO NOT CONDONE the use of SNAP for eating out because it's wasteful. People are abusing the system or neglecting their kids by grabbing a McDouble cause it's easier than cooking. However, there IS a THIRD option! Not ALL states allow SNAP to be used for prepared meals. They should allow it at the grocery stores/convenient stores ONLY. This will give more choices to families who could eat out of the Deli or purchase rotisserie chickens, prepared pastas, etc. That would seem like a more logical choice, AND since we already have an obesity problem, would eliminate cramming more junk food down our families throats. True it's cheaper to eat out fast food and you could probably stretch your SNAP funds further at the dollar menu. Remember it's SUPPLEMENTAL nutritional assistance program. That means they aren't supposed to pay for your whole grocery bill every month. So if you want a dollar menu item to eat as a treat, it's only a buck, and if you can't find it in your budget to do it…..don't.
I see other comments about part of this article, personal items. I really don't even know why they put it in the article because it doesn't even apply. Again, it's called SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Why the heck broaden the scope of that to include toothpaste, diapers, toiletries, etc? That is why there is a cash program called TANF. Yeah they could tweak SNAP to include multi-vitamins, or broaden food related purchases, since those are nutritional substances, but in no way should you include other items that are covered under a totally different program. Those are just my two cents on the whole article
ABSOLUTELY NOT! I refuse to let someone take my money and spend it on restaurant mark up. I hope you all realize that tax payers are feeding those people not money trees. I have a problem with the fact that food stamps are not controlled enough. People still abuse the food stamps program as it is. I still think that instead of stamps we have 'Grocery stations' and just bring them/give them rations based on what their families need. That way their is no selling the stamps half price for cigarette money or what ever. I have seen it done with stamps/cards et cetera. There are people who GENUINELY need the help, then there are those lazy system abusers who ruin it for the rest. If I had my way I would not contribute my taxes at all anymore to this or welfare until they make much more STRICT regulations and investigations on all cases. Call it heartless but in this economy I need my money, so why would I want someone blowing it on UNHEALTHY animal bi products called fast food.
If they are homeless where are they mailing these food stamps too?
If they are homeless they can go to a soup kitchen or a shelter.
There is nothing wrong with offering help to those who need it, but those who abuse the system ruin it for everyone. I would rather contribute 300 to a family who needs it than 100 to 3 families who abuse the system. So instead I will keep my money and if I could I would not contribute my taxes to anything until they hammer down on those baby factories out there that have kids on purpose.
There are not always soup kitchens or shelters for people to go to; or if there are, they are full and can't take anyone else. It's easy to sit and judge people, when you THINK you have all the facts; but unless you know with 100% certainty what their circumstances are, you shouldn't judge people by the circumstances they are in at the moment. I have been in this situation, through no fault of my own. I lost my job of many years because they closed down. It took me over 4 months to find another job. I didn't have a place to live for a while. People, in general, are very judgmental of others in that situation. They are quick to label people as bums, drunks, and drug addicts. They are quick to blame the person for their situation. "If they REALLY wanted to, they could do better." Do you think people REALLY want to be homeless and hungry? Do you think people REALLY want to be stared at, made fun of, treated like they are lower than dirt, and don't deserve to breathe the same air as everyone else? Are there people who abuse the system? Absolutely! However, don't lump everyone together. You can't tell what a person's situation is just by looking at them. Maybe instead of judging them, you should try to get to know them, see what you can do for them. Make them feel like they are human, and have the right to be here. Don't compound their problems by being cruel, or judgmental. YOU might be in their place one day; how would YOU want to be treated?
Terri Yanick I have been there, I have lived under a damn bridge in 17 degree weather! I was sooo sick I was unconcious for 10 days because of it. I wasnt even 18 yet. Where I differe from everyone else… I kept my legs closed, and kept fighting for what I needed. And if you were not in the mood to take offense to everything which you clearly like being angry….. then you would have read where I dont mind helping ppl who need it, but I have witnessed conversations between co workers where they discuss which guy to get knocked up by so they can go on welfare and get food stamps and not have to work. It is DISGUSTING! So yes, I will continue to fight against fatty restaurant over priced nutritionless meals coming out of my tax dollars. And will continue to stand by my previous statements. The only people that will be offended by my words are the ones who need to ask how THEY are abusing the system. The rest of us are the ones paying for it, or they truly need the help and know they could GET MORE help if the rest would stop ruining it for the rest of them! If you think I am judging them, DAMN RIGHT. It is a necessary thing to do, it comes with territory of 'hand outs'. Quote me on this… MY MONEY, MY JUDGEMENT CALL!
There are always gonna be idiots in whatever kind of situation. Believe me, I stretch my whole $34 a month in fs as far as it will go! I get as upset at people wasting as much as anyone. But since I'm stuck now without a working kitchen, it sure would be nice to be able to go out and get a little something that hasn't been warmed in the microwave in my living room. Not that I would, because it's usually not cost effective, but it would be nice to know I had the option. Some times I feel guilty about what little I do get, but I'm a disabled veteran who paid into the system for years, then had an accident that left me unable to provide for myself. I understand your point, but just wanted to provide another viewpoint. We are all concerned about misuse of the nation's resources now more than ever.
you mean you don't eat toothpaste? lmao!
I remember the commodities. My grandparents who were obviously elderly took on the responsibility of raising me and had no monetary or medical insurance support from either of my parents would get commodities whenever there was a bad year on the ranch. Not all the time, just when there was a need. Big difference. I also have a problem with an EBT card. There was something about having Food Stamps that was humiliating. Today people think they are entitled to the EBT card. I don't think candy, pop, chips, and the likes should be purchased with a welfare card. Good food to cook should only be allowed. I too am not anti welfare but I'm anti abuse and the system is getting it's fair share of abuse.
they're probably going to go to mcdonalds, and then we'll have to pay for their medicaid bills when they have a heart attack. food stamps are meant to help you buy basic foods to survive not a life style.
Oh I hope they don't do this. It's bad enough they can buy so much junk foods with food stamps, they don't need to be getting fast food on top of that. What happened to healthy eating? That's what food stamp benefits are for…actual FOOD, not happy meals, chocolate bars, sodas, potato chips. They need to remove the ability to buy junk with food stamps and limit it to healthy foods.
I have no problem with people getting food stamps. I have a problem with Mama taking her boyfriend out to dinner. I have seen it at sandwich shops at 1 am in the morning. There where no kids in the care that needed to eat .
Soda and candy are not luxury items no more than white pasta, folks just view it because it tastes good not based on nutritional value, for instance grape juice has much more sugar than ice tea and few nutrients, my question is if food stamps are allowed for restaurants the money would go quickly, allotment is based on uncooked food and its costs.
Allowing the program to be used at restaurants as akin to giving someone money to stay a cheap motel and then sending them to say manhattan or europe in an expensive area, and saying use your money there, the program allots money based on a cheap meal based on preparation of ingredients, obviously use at restaurants is not so much a debate but goes against the program, how many meals can you buy for $150 a month, or $5 a day at a restaurant.
Reminds me of haley barbour's comment of bmv's on medicaid, political but untrue given few dealers .
A lunch voucher is the appropriate tool, for instance you wouldn't give your son or daughter a housing voucher for sioux city and tell him or her to or expect him or her to use the same money for new york city.
The only problem with your argument is that folks won't be able to afford to eat there everyday.
James Weaver Atleast 2 or 3 times a day.
Agree, but let's get back to the fundamentals, the program gives out money for ingredients that are used to prepare food, the cap is $200 a month often less, so its akin to giving your son and daughter money to buy a drink say $1-2 and sending them in the movie theater or at disney where prices are marked up, or giving them money for a cheap motel on the outskirts of chicago, but sending them to lincoln park.
Kudos to you Miss Marilyn McLean !! You are the kind of people that are few and far between! Huge respect for you!
Kimberly White FS is on a card and they only get a monthly amount and when thst's gone they can't get anymore untill the mext month. Who can say if a person is abusing the fs they get, if you know of anyone personaly that is abusing them, then you should report them to your local DFCS office.
Sheila Caldwell Rushing – That would mean arresting half the people in the town I am in lmao. They sit in public discussing who to get knocked up by so they can quit their jobs and live on welfare. its sick. Terri- I just want them to keep their filthy fingers off my money. I would rather pay for better roads, city developement and job developement projects… oh wait scratch the last one…. they are too busy making babies for welfare checks. (this isnt really targeted at you sheila its forterri who thinks that the world can be all kittens and rainbows if we keep giving hand outs)
Kimberly White I never said the world could be all kittens and rainbows; but if YOU or a loved one was in the position where you needed government assistance to be able to feed your family, would you want someone being ignorant and saying all kinds of rude, very stereotypical things about them? Would you want them to be talked about like they don't exist, or worse, like they SHOULDN'T exist? I know there are people who abuse the system. Does that mean everyone does? NO! You are making general statements, and lumping everyone into one group, and being very closed-minded and prejudiced. You talk like every person who gets FS is lazy, doesn't work, and pops out a baby every year! I was working 2 full-time jobs, supporting 3 kids, and a husband(now an ex-husband), who didn't want to work. After I paid all my bills every month, I was lucky if I had $20 to my name. If it hadn't been for FS, my family would have starved. What category do I fit in? The lazy one, the non-working one, the popping out babies one? If you live in an area that's so terrible, why don't you move? Like the old saying goes, "Don't judge people until you've walked a mile in their shoes". If you don't know what a person's circumstances are, don't judge them! Don't guess, or assume anything. Someday, YOU might be the one needing help, and THEY might be the ones in the position to give it. It would suck if they felt like you do, and turned away, wouldn't it?
California already accepts food stamps at some restaurants. I saw a burger king in anaheim that accepts them.
though I do agree, it should be only aval. to the homeless, who cannot cook a hot meal, not mothers who are simply to lazy to cook for their kids, and what about child obesitity? how is this possibly going to help?
I'd rather see foodstamp set up a program for higene items…tp, tooth paste, soap, cause that would be a lot more useful than fast food… I get foodstamps and working while going to school, with kids, and I still wouldn't do this..I wouldn't be able to feed my family for 2 weeks and that rate..I go to Church and get home late some days, and still would not use this..that is what sandwiches, r amen noodles, and mac and cheese and hamburger meat is for!
Kimbery White if they are homeless, they pick cards up at they welfare office, its an electronic benefit so it loaded every month. I bet if you were homeless you wouldn't say that, quit judging
Not every who gets food stamps has a place to cook or store perishables .Try living in a 10 by 12 room with a bed and a mini fridge with a bathroom you share with several strangers and see if you might not want to eat out some place sometime.