Why Foods Stamps Don't Work

[matt wade]

Regularly, I stand in line at the grocery store with my store brand bread, store brand lunch meat, store brand juices...you get the picture. While standing in line I see people in front of me using food stamps (or some other type of stolen money) to buy name brands of the same items that I purchase store brand.

I'm buying store brands to keep costs down for my family so that we can support ourselves properly. Obviously it's aggravating when the money that is stolen from me pays for these supposedly poor people to purchase name brand items.

Of course what normally happens is that these same "poor" people then also pay cash for cigarettes, alcohol, and then leave the store in get a car nicer than mine.

 

[Salty]

When I was a clerk in a C-Store, I enforced the food stamp rules.
I had someone come in to buy a cup of coffee with stamps- unauthorized. I would not accept his $1 food stamp. So he had to pay cash.

A lady sent he two little boys to come in and each was to buy a 10 cent piece of candy. I knew the mom (still in the car) just wanted change for cancer sticks. Well, I told the kids, I had to ring the purchase up together. So instead of getting a total of $1.80 in change, they only got 79 cents.
Boy was mom really mad when she realized what happened.

Besides, it is dumb to buy groceries in a C-store as most prices are higher ( you are paying for convenience)

So to address the situation, Matt came across, how about trying a pilot program where recipients would only be able to shop in a "food stamp" commissary with only non-brand items?

Thoughts?

 

[Trotter]

I can understand your frustration, Matt. I have said the same things once upon a time, as I have seen the ubuses of the system. But I have been on the other end and had to use food stamps (we get a card here in Tennessee).

While for some food stamps are just another way for them to get money, we had to use them to survive. For those in the same position we were in, you try to make them stretch as far as possible. The only name brands we bought were the ones my wife would only have in the house, like Kraft cheese, Kraft mayo, and things like that.

I would be in favor of some kinf of oversight... but I see the current trend is already adding up way too much like communist Russia already.

 

[abcgrad94]

Food stamps are the least of my worries. Welfare has grown to much larger proportions than just feeding people. In my town, everyday I see able bodied 20-30 years olds who do not work. We are feeding them, housing them, providing their medical care, providing for their many illegitimate children, some of which are at home or in foster care. Those living at home continually infect the school systems with headlice, which other parents then must pay to treat. The list goes on and on. It's become a way of life, not a hand up, for many.

 

[exscentric]

Ah stop worryin soon we will all be standing in lines to get any brand of bread they decide to hand out that day. The lines of Russia past were only a foretaste of whatsa comin if things don't get stopped soon.

 

[just-want-peace]

Ah stop worryin soon we will all be standing in lines to get any brand of bread they decide to hand out that day. The lines of Russia past were only a foretaste of whatsa comin if things don't get stopped soon.

Now this is hitting the nail squarely on the head!!!!!

Course it'll all be Bush's fault!!:sleep:, as the "0" can do no wrong!?!?!?

 

[Robert Snow]

Only once in my life, for a period of about a month or so, did we have to receive food stamps. I don't know about others, but we bought the cheapest things we could buy since we had very little money. Even now, many years later, we buy mostly store brands.

 

[abcgrad94]

Only once in my life, for a period of about a month or so, did we have to receive food stamps. I don't know about others, but we bought the cheapest things we could buy since we had very little money. Even now, many years later, we buy mostly store brands.

I always buy the generic brands unless I have a coupon and can get the name brand cheaper.

I don't think they give out food stamps now, I think it's called an EBT card. I saw signs for it at the store and the cashier told me it was called an electronic benefits card for people on welfare.

 

[exscentric]

"Course it'll all be Bush's fault!" Well, Ya, that is a given :laugh:

We have never taken any of the welfare benefits that we could have accessed over the years of tentmaking ministry. The Lord always provided. His provision was five or so cases of eggs for a month or two - wasn't what do you want for supper, it was how do you want your eggs and bread.

We still buy cheap though have had to do more veggies/fruit in recent years trying to stay healthier but even then I shop for price :smilewinkgrin: Yep, just cheap.

There are reports of people buying cases of bottled water on their magic card and going to the parking lot and emptying them so they can turn their bottles in for booze cash.

 

[annsni]

Can I ask you if you know for sure what these people's situations were? How do you know that there were not food allergies in the family that would force purchasing a particular brand of food? Why are those on food stamps not allowed to purchase brand names if they needed to? I don't understand the judgment nor the "stolen money" comment.

Yes, there are those on food stamps who are scamming the system but I can honestly tell you that not all are. I know MANY families who need the government assistance because their churches have dropped the ball. A family is in crisis and the church says "God bless you and be on your way." What else is a family to do in this economy? There are many families who are finding themselves on welfare and food stamps who never thought they would be. I know one family in particular where the husband had a severe injury working in commercial plumbing and he no longer can do that job. He put out no less than 70 resumes to even places like McDonald's yet no one is hiring him. His wife works 10 hours a day, 6 days a week and they have their daughter and granddaughter living with them (she's a single teen mom who is receiving assistance right now because the father of the baby won't work at all and she can't do it all by herself) and their other 2 children fall on the autism spectrum. Unfortunately, they make $10 too much to receive any assistance themselves so she continues to work as hard as she can, he continues to look for work yet has medical bills in the upper 5 figure numbers and they struggle each day. THIS is where the church should step in - but it doesn't.

 

[matt wade]

Can I ask you if you know for sure what these people's situations were? How do you know that there were not food allergies in the family that would force purchasing a particular brand of food? Why are those on food stamps not allowed to purchase brand names if they needed to? I don't understand the judgment nor the "stolen money" comment.

You are right, I don't know each person's situation. I doubt that every person I have seen is dealing with some food allergy though that prohibits them from purchasing the lower priced store brand food.

You ask why those on food stamps should not be allowed to purchase brand name items? They should have to go with the cheapest available item. I don't care if it is name brand or store brand, as long as it is the cheapest. I, one of the people money is stolen from to support them, purchasing the store brand because I have less money in my pocket specifically because I support them. Why should they live better than I do?

If you don't understand the stolen money comment, then I suggest you try and tell the government that you aren't going to pay your taxes. See if you have have a choice in the matter. No choice? Then the money is stolen.

Oh, and shame on whatever church won't step in. These people you speak of are the exception to what is out there. Most people on welfare don't need it and are gaming the system. You wouldn't hear me complaining if we would weed out the gamers and only give welfare to the 5% of people currently on it that actually need assistance.

 

[KenH]

and then leave the store in get a car nicer than mine.

I Timothy 6:8: But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Hebrews 13:5: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

 

[Johnv]

I'm buying store brands to keep costs down for my family so that we can support ourselves properly. Obviously it's aggravating when the money that is stolen from me pays for these supposedly poor people to purchase name brand items.

Of course what normally happens is that these same "poor" people then also pay cash for cigarettes, alcohol, and then leave the store in get a car nicer than mine.

Not to sounds harsh here, but I detect a level of covetousness in your post, which is an issue separate from whether a food stamp program is appropriate or not.

 

[annsni]

You are right, I don't know each person's situation. I doubt that every person I have seen is dealing with some food allergy though that prohibits them from purchasing the lower priced store brand food.

You ask why those on food stamps should not be allowed to purchase brand name items? They should have to go with the cheapest available item. I don't care if it is name brand or store brand, as long as it is the cheapest. I, one of the people money is stolen from to support them, purchasing the store brand because I have less money in my pocket specifically because I support them. Why should they live better than I do?


If you don't understand the stolen money comment, then I suggest you try and tell the government that you aren't going to pay your taxes. See if you have have a choice in the matter. No choice? Then the money is stolen.

I can guarantee you that they do not live better than you do. As for the "stolen", don't like it then leave the country. It's your choice to stay and pay. It's not "stolen" but your responsibility as part of this country. "Render unto Ceasar...."

Oh, and shame on whatever church won't step in.

Can I ask what you personally do for those in need? What about your church - does it support those in need?

These people you speak of are the exception to what is out there. Most people on welfare don't need it and are gaming the system. You wouldn't hear me complaining if we would weed out the gamers and only give welfare to the 5% of people currently on it that actually need assistance.

So you are privvy to exactly who needs it and who doesn't? Maybe you should go to work for the government to help them get rid of everyone on food stamps since they don't need it. Can I ask you just how you come to the conclusion that 95% of those on food stamps don't need it - since you know all of the facts and all.

 

[Gina B]

Regularly, I stand in line at the grocery store with my store brand bread, store brand lunch meat, store brand juices...you get the picture. While standing in line I see people in front of me using food stamps (or some other type of stolen money) to buy name brands of the same items that I purchase store brand.

I'm buying store brands to keep costs down for my family so that we can support ourselves properly. Obviously it's aggravating when the money that is stolen from me pays for these supposedly poor people to purchase name brand items.

Of course what normally happens is that these same "poor" people then also pay cash for cigarettes, alcohol, and then leave the store in get a car nicer than mine.

:laugh: If you're that poor, you probably get a tax return anyhow and end up getting free money yourself!

So don't whine.

Even if you don't, don't whine because you can't buy name brand foods. If that's the least you have to worry about, you are blessed.

I used to get them. It was nice! If you work it just right you can get enough change for laundry and sometimes even ciggs. I no longer smoke and wish I never did, so don't think I'm endorsing smoking. But when I did, it was nice to be able to have one. It helped me deal with my situation.

I don't think I'll ever get a tax return again. We'll see. I'm so glad that when I don't, that money will help feed someone. It's so much better than thinking about how it can be used to fund abortions. In Oregon, people on a state medical card could get free abortions.

That I will whine about!

I know no system is perfect. Some will abuse it. Look how many pastors and church leaders end up abusing kids. Do we get rid of the system or say it's bad? No. We work with it and try to get rid of the abusers!

 

[exscentric]

"tax return anyhow and end up getting free money yourself!"

Since when is money deducted from your pay check that is returned to you free money, it is your own money twood seem to me.:laugh:

 

[Gina B]

I'm thinking of the additional that is often added to people's return. A lot of people like to jump on the bandwagon of "my taxes pay for this" when in reality, they don't really even pay taxes toward the programs they mentioned. If not for food stamps, I would not have been able to go to college and stop needing food stamps-although with the econo
y like it is, education doesn't mean a higher paying job than flipping burgers. Oh well-if people start caring about the founding principles of this nation, we'll be ok again.

 

[Winman]

I am not against food stamps or a card for the truly poor. There are many honest, even hard working people who are in tough situations, and may have a job, but a poorly paying job that need assistance. I am not against that. Many a single mother relies on assistance. It it very difficult raising children alone.

On the other hand, there are clearly people who are abusing the system. With so many millions receiving assistance, it is difficult to control abuse like this. I really do not know the answer.

 

[Havensdad]

You are right, I don't know each person's situation. I doubt that every person I have seen is dealing with some food allergy though that prohibits them from purchasing the lower priced store brand food.

You ask why those on food stamps should not be allowed to purchase brand name items? They should have to go with the cheapest available item. I don't care if it is name brand or store brand, as long as it is the cheapest. I, one of the people money is stolen from to support them, purchasing the store brand because I have less money in my pocket specifically because I support them. Why should they live better than I do?

If you don't understand the stolen money comment, then I suggest you try and tell the government that you aren't going to pay your taxes. See if you have have a choice in the matter. No choice? Then the money is stolen.

Oh, and shame on whatever church won't step in. These people you speak of are the exception to what is out there. Most people on welfare don't need it and are gaming the system. You wouldn't hear me complaining if we would weed out the gamers and only give welfare to the 5% of people currently on it that actually need assistance.

I think you are going a bit too far with this. While I share your conservative views, foodstamps are not necessarily "stolen."

I have known several people who have paid in exhorbitant amounts of taxes, only to fall on hard times, and have people looking down on them for getting foodstamps to feed their children. This is ridiculous: they didn't do anything wrong. If the government would have left their money alone to begin with, they would never have NEEDED food stamps.

Think about that the next time you see these people in line. The Government is to blame: not the individual. They are just getting their money back.

 

[Salty]

First of all, it is unconstitutional for the Federal Govt to provide money for food Stamps.

Second, even though it is not unconstitutional for States or Commonwealths to provide food stamps, I do not think they should do so. That is not the purpose of government.

Providing for the needs of widows and the poor should be reserved for the ministry of the church and/or other charity organizations.

Salty