Fancy Feasts
April 27, 2010 by Kathy McManus
A new class of food stamp recipients has emerged from the ongoing recession, writes Jennifer Bleyer at Salon.com. College educated, out-of-work, foodie hipsters in their twenties and thirties “are shaking off old taboos about who should get government assistance,” while discovering that food stamps can be used for almost all edibles, “including wild-caught fish, organic asparagus and triple-crème cheese.”
31-year-old Gerry Mak — a University of Chicago grad with a part-time job and no other employment prospects — qualifies for $200 a month in food stamps, some of which he recently used to buy the ingredients for a dinner of roasted rabbit with butter, tarragon, and sweet potatoes. “I used to think that you could only get processed food and government cheese on food stamps,” Mak said, “but it’s great that you can get anything.”
Changes to the food stamp program last year, Bleyer says, made it easier for “able-bodied adults without dependents” to qualify for aid. But not without provoking “a special strain of ire” from some critics who see “laziness and irresponsibility” where others see help buying quality food — “including yes, Perrier,” Breyer reports. In sharp contrast to past complaints about food stamps subsidizing primarily junk food, says Breyer, “food stamp-using foodies might be applauded” for eating healthily on a recessionary budget.
Should certain foods be off limits for food stamp redemption? If so, which ones
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127 Comments
What do you think? Leave a comment
April 29, 2010 by runi
Yes, food stamp "purchases" should be restricted. However, it would be preferable if acceptable foods were specified, rather than unacceptable foods being specified. (In other words, specify what is covered--not what isn't covered.) WIC does an excellent job of this.
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May 3, 2010 by Albert Adams
Why r we trieing to monitor The food peole eat ? Every one eats different. and as long as you can get bye so what// the wold is coming to and end let me live it out//PLEASE
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March 27, 2011 by linda pope
yes,everyone eats different,yet in these times there people that really need them.there are elderly people on fixed income can barely get $20.00 worth.these people would like to be able to get a extra treat once a month.I see so many people wasting.so many people misusing this system.the system is is to help people in need.that which people waste and take advantage of cost another person or family to be without.all we ask is please think of those other in need.it could have been you let's not waste and end up letting hunger be another one of America's problems..
September 4, 2010 by Cynthia Morand
I don't necessarily believe that monitoring the purchases is the right thing to do. I strongly believe that they should, allot a set cash amount for the purchase of personal hygiene products, necessities... and write to congress with full opinions to discuss possible revised statues.
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October 9, 2010 by sandy
Yes, I believe that as hard up as some americans are ( including myself) there SHOULD be a limit on what U can buy. I also believe that there should be a second card... or some kind of monitor on the 1 card that monitors how much junk /sweets are bought. Speeking from somebody that USED TO be on food stamps and wished that they could have them again, I think there should be a secondary card with a limit on junk/candy/sweets or sodas. One SHOULD be able to buy more healthy foods with help for the nutrition side not the price side. even some frozen box dinners would be allowed. Most pre packaged food / frozen food have a LOT of salt / preservatives,but sometimes that is all they are able to cook at that time. Somebody that has many health problems are not able to "cook" some days due to extreme fatigue therefore a frozen dinner is better than chips and a diet coke. I am a person that HAS TO HAVE a diet soda EVERYDAY. Just maybe 1- 12 pk only or none at all. You would just have to budget your "real" money so that U could buy it with cash if U just have to have it.
January 10, 2011 by backinthewestagain
In Colorado you cannot purchase anything except food with a food stamp card. They do not let you buy toilet paper, deodorant or other items that I feel are necessary. Lets not get into trying to tell people what to eat. Some people eat meat only, others are vegetarians and some are vegans. Different strokes for different folks. Its not an enormous amount of money either - you really have to think about what you're buying and how much. $50 a week doesn't go very far.
February 3, 2011 by Jamie
@bestinthewestagain - $50.00 a week for two people is alot! That is twice my food budget.
January 8, 2012 by Sethie Pitt
YOUmust be joking about congress helping any one my age,i'm 70 and made very little money and food stamps cut me off and I WAS RAISEING A GRANDSON THAT CAN EAT AT 17 HIS MOTHER AND FATHER ARE DEATH and I cooked everymeal.so we just did with out thanks to congress,said i made to much and I PAY HIGH RENT AND ALL THE BILLS the only ones they help is the RICH,
May 25, 2011 by bret rossetter
I wish they wouldn't discriminate to a person who is disabled and sold marijauana 12 years ago and they still won't let me get foodstamps. I get 666.00 dollars a month disability check, I wish some of those people would try living on that a month, they couldn't do it, no one can!!!
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July 18, 2011 by m m
I agree with you. My husband is on a fixed income & it doesn't go for after you pay bils your lucky if you have anything let. I think people with low income like you & me should get food stamps to get what we want in food.
August 21, 2011 by Norma Landrum
I think that the government should montor more closer to the receipent of the food stamps and who get them and what they are used for.I know a family who receives the stamps and then find someone to pay cash to them an they in turn would go grocery shopping for them, in turn for the money. this is not fair to the others who cannot get the stamps ,who needs the help.I also know another family who receives over $ 900.00 in food stamps and two of the 4 who works an they did not report the other income ,and one of the 4 received over $55,000 in the death of her father an will be getting twice as much in a wrongful death law suit. What is wrong with this picture ,and she is able to get out an work. COME on Children Family Service OPEN another channel on who gets food stamps who has no children in the household.This really kick me off. We already have case workers who could usesthe exercise an get out an go with the family to buy the grocerys
December 17, 2011 by Susan R
Getting food stamps isn't a right...why are you disabled? Nothing you can do to bring in extra money or is it just easier to demand food stamps. There are illegal Mexicans getting food stamps and buying the ingredients to sell tamales on the corner in California. People sell them for Drugs Now they want to buy burgers in a restaurant with them. What a lazy bunch we have become that we feel we are entitled to live off others.
December 19, 2011 by lora
you got that right they just need to stay out of are homes there in it to much now let some one tell them they cant have it an see how they fell they say we are free no we are not an not everybody can be tooth pick like some of them an i dont want to an i dont whating someone to telling me what i can an cant eat its just not right what this is world coming to we dont have no freedom any more they tell you what to do an now they are trying to tell us what we can eat its like this the rich keep get richer an the poor keep geting poorer it like this just let some one tell them how to live an eat an see if they like it an i dont care if it stamps or cash because some just get by paying bills an not no food an they look soda or candybar once amonth so who gives anyone the right to say they cant have some people just kill me you give some people a lettle power an it go to there head
January 8, 2012 by Sethie Pitt
NO STATE LET YOU BUY ENYTHING THAT HAS TAX ON IT,AND HERE IN LA they tax food,I got 698 and 605 for my grandchild and pay 700 a month for rent and all the bills,that come too around 300 are highter in the summer so what does that leave me to buy food pay for school ware and things like rotc and food I don't buy are eat junk,
September 4, 2011 by pam smith
what is wrong with everyone first they wanna kill off the elderly now they wanna take all our away this world is messed up!!!!!!!!!!
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November 9, 2011 by clara
OMG --- let it be if some one getting FS wants junk food let it be!!! They have the right to choose what they want to eat. Some of their dignity has already been taken. Just like someone single has to eat too. Its bad enough when the FS $ doesn't keep up with the economy !!!!.
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November 29, 2011 by Julie
I have said the same thing for years,it makes me sick to see people putting high end meats and food and drinks..when I know people who has worked 30+ years and now out of work and cant get it.....they should do as wic
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May 4, 2010 by eric
I agree with Runi about WIC doing an excellent job. I work in a Gas station. The food stamp users use food stamp to buy unhealthy foods baverages such as Donuts,and Sodas! While they use thier own earned money(i dont how they earn that much cash) to buy cigarettes and cigarellos! You could smell weed from them! If these people afford to buy weed and cigarettes why aren't they buying thier food with thier own money? Why do the taxpayer have to pay for these irresponsible druggies? I saw one guy had a roll of hundered from where he used $5.40 buy cigarettes and used foodstamp for greasy donuts, Faritolays chips and Sodas! I just felt sick to my stomach! Why the State is so irrisponsible? Why dont state enforces drugg test and smoke free,and normal body weight as acondition on foodstamp eligibility? These lazy people are getting lazier because the state is giving our tax money to faten them! Living in America and making yourself a public charge and poor is like slap on the face of our nobel founding fathers. The governor needs to do something about it!
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August 18, 2010 by domonique
In California the EBT card can allow you to take out cash to buy cigarettes and beer.
After all....they can't afford it...we need to buy it for them...I don;t mind helping out with nutritional food....but I don't feel good buying them cigarettes and alcohol..or taking out cash for whatever they wish.
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September 14, 2010 by Noreen LaVallo
EBT cards for food stamps do not let you get cash...if you get cash assistance that is another thing.
March 13, 2011 by Eli
Things have changed folks. The food stamps program is a Federal Program administered by the States. The EBT cards (electronic balance transfer), work for food only in California. You cannot even buy soda or any pre-made taxable food with it (like a sandwich or soup from the deli).
Let's stop policing everyone for every little thing.
There are some people who qualify for some non-food monies, also via the EBT card. But that is money in the form of a loan, that technically has to be paid back.
So do not confuse that with the food stamp allowance which is $50 per week per person. The people I see using it, and a few I know, are buying day old bread, beans, rice and veggies. Get a grip folks, that sure beats people going to a soup kitchen.
I see a homeless man using his once a month at my local Grocery Outlet (very cost effective groceries) and although he is filthy and smells, all he buys is food. I see him around town too, he is never drunk, disorderly, using drugs or making any trouble. I am glad the program works for him.
March 27, 2011 by linda popel
why would anyone think that food stamps should support their person habits.tobacco is not food,and not be allowed to be bought in this program.it cannot be congested as a nutritious product and should not be allowed.person habits items should be bought with cash or some other card.to me that would cause the system to become unbalanced and fail lead to the crash of the system and program.
September 1, 2010 by Loco Luka
I had no idea that they could buy junk food with food stamps from gas stations which charges inflated prices to begin with. Goes to show one has to earn money to know the value of money. If they are on food stamps, shouldn't they be looking for more value to stretch out those alloted food dollars? But hey, once the food stamp dollars run out then they are in line at the food kitchens and pantries with their families in tow. I am an independent voter but I agree with the republicans when they talk about the irresponsible actions of these able bodied lazy good for nothings.
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August 3, 2011 by Leighann
Food stamps should absolutely be modified to only allow certain foods. I recently went to a gas station late at night for milk for my children, in front of me were two young ladies purchasing three bags of chips and two liters of soda and some candy, all paid for with their food stamp card. that is ridiculous. I speak from a experience because I have used the system for its intended purpose, to help people in hard times, temporaraly! Two days before my first child was born my husband was let go from his job and i had stopped work for maternity leave (without pay). I used food stamps and state insurance, wic, fuel assistance to get us back on our feet, which we were within six months. that is what those things are for, to help you short term and the help should only be for basic needs, just like wic. not for chips and soda and not for wild salmon, for BASIC NEEDS until you can pay for it yourself!
October 25, 2011 by dddddddddddddd
First of all everyone is not the same, some people do the right thing wit their stamps and others don't, second food stamps are for you to be able to feed your familys,what you buy with them is on you, you run out then you make a way for your family to eat the rest of the month, don't be so quick to put a lable on everyone
October 9, 2010 by chaquta
thats it ! I was reading some of the blogs and I agree with them. I even agree with your drug testing , B U T I am going to rain all over your self rightous parade when U OVIOUSLY DO - NOT- have any health problems ! do I make my self clear ?
Some people are over weight because of several health problems that are current and on-going. and if they could get thinner as U said, maybe we wouldnt need stamps cuz then we would have a job. I have had 4 serious operations lower than chest ( not going into details) in which I have NEVER RECOVERED from and i will be having to do a 5th in future.
I CANT EVEN- G E T -FOOD STAMPS anymore due to red tape. I dont even have med' ins. and yes I have "issues" with big bro. (govt) I just deal the best I can. have to use food bank to make ends meet as it is. may u get a seri0us illness that u get a fat as a cow then we will re-visit this issue. good day !
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March 14, 2011 by Eli
You "cannot get food stamps due to red tape"? They are pretty easy to get based on financial need. If you do not qualify, you have too much money for the criteria. Foods stamps are to assist the working poor and even some buying homes qualify. You situation is rather difficult to believe. If you're in need you should qualify.
March 4, 2011 by Simplicius
Don't be naive. There have always and will always be poor, and the great U.S. of A. was built on the backs of the toiling poor who were discarded with ailment or old age. This country is not better than our peers because of some philosphy we supposedly share: we're different than the Europepeans, sure, but we're descended from them, culturally, no question about it. This hateful attitude toward the "undeserving" poor which still permeates our society is of no use to anyone. Show me a medeaval society where you had to prosper to eat, or to sleep. When maintaining any system with discreet units (people) interacting and transacting and aggregating (families, companies), certain basics follow. On the more earthy level of national economics there are simply things we understand today (systems analysis) that we did not know before or could not imagine. If you want to stimulate the national economy, stimulate investment. In order to do that, you can invest in government-sponsored projects and then spin them off to the private sector once private investors have taken the bait (as this country did very successfully with the entire electronics industry) and you can stimulate demand for the products of new industry, primarily by stimulating demand for any given products in the already existing economy; in other words, give people money. It is that maddeningly simple. And then we 20th century apes come along and sniff at it with our eons-outdated sympathies, antipathies and prejudice.
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May 6, 2010 by Alice
Perhaps we should be asking why more and more people are taking government handouts rather than what are they buying with the money. One could always buy whatever they wanted for food with food stamps and as a social worker, I often heard people say they had never had such good food and so much of it as when the government was paying the bill.
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May 8, 2010 by maria
I have seen people with lots of kids in the grocery store with carts full of birthday cake lots of candy sodas and just plain junk food . Then the government wonders why are children obese? If they are worried about feeding our kids, then limit the food stamps to meats fish, chicken, milk, cheese, fruits and vegetables end of story take or leave it. I bet people will not get the food stamps anymore, because alot of people don't want to cook!!!!!!!!!!!
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May 14, 2010 by felicia
what i dont understand why the government dont count, light bill, or gas to go to work, or diapers for a baby, or clothes for the kids, and i don't mean expensive clothes, i'm talking about dollar store or walmart mark downs...i don't get it how they think a family of 5 is suppose to live off of 245 a mth even when you get the generic brands of food it's still don't last...my husband works and neither of us do weed or drink...i am not able to work do to the high cost of child care. i have went in stores at times and saw where people buy loads of fruit punch and canned abc's and 123's...and yet they get over 600 a mth..i don't get it...how do they not count house hold items when a person is applying for stamps....don't the president need tissue paper or washing deturgent...geez is all they count is the rent...what do they expect for people to live with no lights and suffacate bc it's so hot in your home you can't even breathe even with fans on it's still to hot...MR OBAMA IF YOU SEE THIS THERE NEEDS TO BE A CHANGE...DONT MAKE A FAMILY HAVE TO GO WEEKS WITH OUT GETTING GROCERIES FOR THE KIDS...WHEN ONE PARENT HAS TO SACRAFICE AND STAY AT HOME TO CUT OUT SOME OF THE TRAVEL EXPENCE AND CHILD CARE EXPENCE JUST TO WORK....IF I WAS WORKING I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT MORE THAN I WOULD BE BRINGING HOME JUST TO GO TO WORK....DANG YOU CAN'T WIN FOR LOOSING...
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May 18, 2010 by kristen
I think it is wrong that I have to include my husband when i try to get food stamps.He does not give me anything.Its like I am a single mother with 4 kids.I make only 15.45 27hrs week.Thats like take home 350 dollars. My rent 1027.00 my car 425.00 credit card bills that amount to 500.00 a month that I use to by the food.Its sad that I work at Giant Food store and I cant buy food like I see my customers by its not fair. My kids are so hungry every day because I dont have food.The only reason my husband lives here is that he watches my kids. I just dont know what to do we fight every day because i just cant buy everything anymore,but my husband can and he makes less that me.
May 18, 2010 by kristen
Its also not fair that the people that work hard cant feed there kids but people that dont work get everything that the goverment has to offer.I wish I can sit on my but and collect but if i did that we would be homeless.What r the people to do not work and get everthing for free.I just cant take it anymore,I dont know what to do. can anyone give me advice what to do or where to get help with food.
October 9, 2010 by susan
In referance to the question... they ask for the light bill,the water bill, fone bill , and all unpaid medical bills as well as 10-12 more things. U had better have all the paper work in order and corect. every thing signed the right way and even have to have a notary to sign a paper. U even have to get references from friends of your un employment woes. If U dont have every thing, too bad -come back next month and try again ! ( not tomorrow NOT next week.... next month ! and if u need health ins, its all that but X 3 for 3 months pack. Some places even make U get a doctors fill out paper to say U cant work, no signature...... no stamps , too bad ! dont go all is all they ask for is rent? get a life.
December 11, 2010 by Lisa
I know what you mean. Most of the time all they ask for is rent and electric. What about the other costs of living? Gas for the car, Gas for your home if you have it, clothes (if you can afford to buy them), and what about repairs made to your vehicle just so you can keep it in working condition so you can work. Where I live they want to know what kind of car you drive. What difference does it make what kind of car I drive. I could be driving an almost new car and it be a wreck. I say, why don't you come to my house and see how I am living. Then make the call on how much benefits I should recieve. They would really be shocked if they came to my home. I haven't had new clothes for myself in 2 years. So everything I own is stained, has holes or doesn't fit. My husbands clothes are the same way. And not to mention the fact that since I havent been able to find work I had to give up my children to my ex husband after having custody for 14 years. Times are hard on everyone these days.
December 17, 2011 by SusanR
How old are your children? Did you have them while on food stamps? I think it is audacity to have children while on welfare and then moan because you cannot make ends meet. HAVE CHILDREN???? YOU SUPPORT THEM
October 8, 2010 by natscats
Constructive criticism: Why don't we look at what third world countries do to feed their poor people? Before you say, "third world countries!?!?!", hear me out. Some governments have made deals with food manufacturers to produce the same quality foods, albeit a limited number of kinds of foods, i.e. beans, canned vegatables, meats, cereals, etc., with generic labels for consumption by people on food stamps. These are the same foods sold to the general public in public grocery stores, but they are packaged in generic labels marked "not for retail sale". Every grocery store has a section that houses these foods and they can only be traded for food stamps - they cannot be purchased with money. The governments, in an effort to provide for poor people, and with a eye on not wanting to spend any more than they have to, makes a deal with the food manufacturers that allows the food manufacturers to produce, package, and distribute these goods for a seriously reduced price in exchange for a tax break. To boot, these food manufacturers' profits on their branded products actually go up because people are so embarrassed to have to shop in the generic section, that they aspire to get off food stamps and are then able to buy branded products! Everyone wins and there is none of this talk about taxing sugar laden products, which has everyone up in arms. It is a way to control the obesity problem which out society pays for later, and it encourages people to do better for themselves in the long run. Remember, the food stamp program's purpose is not to provide for the poor so that they can get free food forever. The purpose is to provide for the poor so that they can get on their own two feet and have nourishment while they are trying to do that. Write to your congress person about this! Tell them there are better ideas than to just add another tax on yet another product!
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February 5, 2011 by CLIFF
The comment about putting generic foods in the grocery stores is right on. In the 1950's there was a commodity program that bought american produced food to pass out to the poor and needy. If we did that through the food stamp program and required grocers to have a generic section as described it would eliminate some of the abbuses in the program. Part of the problem with the national debt is that the federal government is generating benefits for citizens to stay home and not produce. The government should not only provide for the generic food but for generic type assistence for day care when the citizen wants to pull herslef out of poverty or provide for her family. Instead of assistance to get in to the workforce there is assistance to stay home. All assistance should be just that (Assistance), and not an incentive to stay home and do nothing.
April 30, 2011 by Kelly
Maybe they were having a birthday party. Sure you believe that the children of the recipients should have the same sort of birthday party as other children. Or maybe you think that they should have a tofu cake with carrots and bottled water.
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December 17, 2011 by SusanR
I realize some people are unemployed through no fault of their own, but expecting the taxpayer to fund birthday parties for women with five kids who have been on welfare since the first birth at fourteen is too much. She had them, she should have known she couldn't properly provide for them. I am so sick of the so call "poor " in America. Manicured acrylic nails, hair extensions, team jerseys... the rest of the world's poor would consider themselves rich.
October 16, 2011 by anna
Do you realize is it cheaper to eat hotdogs, mac and cheese, then to eat chicken, ground beef, or buy fresh fruit and veggies? Do you realize that some not all but some work as much as they can and am hanging on as much as possible and still do pay taxes the same taxes everyone else pays that go to help the foodstamp receipents and guess what we do qualify for those foodstamps. I will be damned to have some tell me how to spend my hard earned money even if some of that comes from foodstamps. would you like some one to come along and tell you how to spend you tax return that also has taxpayer money funding it? oh by the way, I am taking care of a family of 4, my fiance has been out of work for the last 2 years due to his knees, and the father of my lovely children won't pay child support and I have been told he don't have to because he had another child and is now on welfare. I believe the debate should be "should we drug test before handing out benefits and should people who have done jail time have benefits?" think of the money we would save alone
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October 26, 2011 by Pauline Williamson
Bravo I agree I have no problem with the elderly or people who really need it getting help.When you see 20 year olds with food stamps it makes me sick! Get a job!!!The elderly who do need it get very little and the stamps younger people get are used for mostly junk food and expensive food if the working class can not afford to eat these things why should they when we are paying for it!
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May 14, 2010 by FELICIA
another thing they need to count is a vehicle...if the family has more than one vehicle then yeah i can see why they wouldn't get as much but with out a vehicle family's would go with out even any income...then they would try anything to find those parents unfit....HELLO WHAT ARE YOU GOVERNMENT PEOPLE THINKING....QUIT SENDING MONEY TO OTHER COUNTRIES AND START HELPING THOSE THAT ARE HOMELESS AND ALOT OF THEM MENTALLY ILL...A LOT OF HOMELESS DUE TO LOSS OF WORK....BUT NOOOOOO GOTTA SEND MONEY TO OTHER COUNTRIES...MAN DO YALL SUCK...THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO DIG DEEPER THAN JUST THE OFFICE...
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December 17, 2010 by deleon
i agree with felisha on this the government should be using the money provide more help in the us instead of send money to countries that we were at war with or bombed us that is just stupid!
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May 16, 2010 by Elizabeth
I am a 45yo female, have worked since I was 16. The only time I have been "off" for any extended period of time is when I had my children, at that time I was married, making nice salaries with 2 incomes and I was blessed with that opportunity.
I have now been divorced for almost 5yrs. I lost my 6 figure job, Aug. 09, after working with the company for 10 yrs....I started to work again in Feb. 10-but after 3 months working, the corporate office decided all employees would work out of the corporate office only (7hrs away from me) & they signed a partnership with a very "well known" company. I found myself facing unemployment again...The 1st time I applied for unemployment benefits-$269/week, which did not even cover my mortgage-much less any of the "real necessities"-ie., electric, water, insurance, car, food-then on top of that, I only get $60.92/wk for two teenagers!!! I applied for no other government assistance, and even though I could have-I just didn't. Luckily I had 'some' savings--even tho' during those 6mo things became tough!
So, when I faced this again in Feb, I didn't have anything to fall back on in savings. I did go to unemployment, again $269/mo, not enough for mortgage and I realized there was NO OTHER WAY I could get thru THIS time without applying for additional assistance....I applied for DHS benefits and was eligible for food stamps AND Medicaid.....I have never had food stamps in my life, much less Medicaid.
So, to address why more and more people take handouts from the government....I believe I explained one of MANY reasons open their hands for assistance...I know there are MANY more in my situation with the down turn in the economy....Yes, there are people who DON'T deserve to have the benefits and they are abused, DHS should perform a deeper screening process, even tho' there was alot of information I had to provide with proof.
So, shame on those who get benefits that DON'T deserve them (for various reasons)....they are meant and intended for those in great need of assistance, in which I DO QUALITY!
And, so what they buy foods they want (and will eat)...I do agree tobacco products & alcohol should be prohibited...and there's probably other items as well-and Felicia, you are SO RIGHT about tissue paper and other paper products, detergent, and even the 'necessary' toiletries....how can you get that job if you don't have clean clothes, necessary bath items and TP - EVERYBODY has to wipe their BUTT and they certainly won't get a job with skids in their pants !!!!
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January 10, 2011 by backinthewestagain
People are taking more handouts because THERE IS NO WORK. I've worked 36 of the past 38 years - this is the first time I have ever been unemployed. I've never drawn UI or used food stamps until the past few years. I am 53 and thank God my children are old enough to take care of themselves. I feel for families that are trying to make it right now. The corporations in the U.S. have totally screwed everyone. PLEASE - if you need food stamps or any kind of assistance - GO GET IT. Be patient with the government system and provide them with everything they need to process your requests. No one in the U.S. should ever have to go without a meal. I understand why working people feel they are carrying an extra load, but if they get in the same situation that many are in - they will understand. When they start losing everything they own and need to feed their children you won't hear any complaints about food stamps, unemployment insurance, etc. Good luck to you all in finding what you need. I need a job and will continue to search for one until I get one.
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December 17, 2011 by SusanR
You are the type of person welfare should be helping, not the welfare mommas who start having kids at 14 and never worked a day. Too many able bodied men having babies they do not support. Food stamps sold for drugs. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS taking up section 8 housing. A relative works for welfare in California....too many times people who worked all their lives cannot get help while those who sneak into this country or the welfare scammers who are taught from childhood to get on welfare get it all.
No one makes you quit school or have too many kids you cannot support. Perhaps you should sell you home and whatever you make in profit can tide you over. It isn't the taxpayers fault nor the welfare office's fault that families have two cars or a big house to take care of. Downsizing is recommended.
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May 19, 2010 by CONCERNED FOR MY KIDS
There are so many problems facing our nation and it saddens me to think that some people really believe that people want to live in poor conditions. When I was a student in Illinois, I saw people who were promoted to higher grades even though they could not read well nor perform basic math. That was the system. But now those students can't get meaningful employment. Whats there option, welfare. The cost of raising a family keep going higher and higher, many of us pay water, light, and heating bills, every month, even if it means no food. That's a lot of money over time, not to mention all the additional services charges that companies apply to your bill. You are a faithful customer as long as you keep paying, miss a payment or two, you are sent a threatening letter of disconnection and offered a payment plan that makes no sense. We still find ways to manage. That's all good hearted people do. I won't blame anyone for having to be on public assistance when I know that our system has been designed to keep certain segments down so that others can advance. We've been playing games with the lives of people with adverse rules and regulations that only hamper societal growth for all the people. Now we find ourselves in a terrible economic crisis and we still can't come together as a people and work through this time of uncertainty without trying to blame others. Lets try this, eliminate public welfare across the board for all social groups, force them to get jobs within a time frame of say 1 month. If they haven't found work within that time frame, we could then place "them" in those concentration camps I keep hearing FEMA's spent so many millions to construct. We could really save the union with this approach, free labor, more control, safer streets, and the good people of the land can sleep peacefully at night. But there's only one problem, I don't know if this solution can repair the TREMENDOUS debt we face. The one that will cause government to declare bankruptcy and start over. Did you know that this is the only way America can get out of this debt, you don't think we can borrow our way from under it did you? Did you know that this solution will render all YOUR savings worthless. I tell you what, KEEP FOCUSING ON FOOD STAMPS, and you may just find yourself in the camps with the other good for nothings who couldn't get jobs, and it won't be your fault for sure.
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May 29, 2010 by Concerned for my Daughter
I have a 30 yr old daughter who drives a school bus during school months, she does not get paid during the summer months when school is out. She lives in a shack in the country for $200 a month, her car was just repossessed when she got behind LAST summer and now does not have a way to get to and from a job from the country if she could find one. She just found a lump on her breast, but doesn't have her deductible met on health insurance and is worried about getting caught up in the health system with no way to pay her 20 percent. She's not on drugs, doesn't smoke or drink, has no children. She lives on bare minimum, no tv, cable, etc. Now she's been told she must move out of the shack because the landlord needs to move in so she has no money and no way to pay for a new place. What services are out there for someone in her predicament? Who can help, who can she call to get reestablished.
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May 31, 2010 by Kristi
It sounds like she should be eligible for unemployment during the off season months she is not able to be paid, but couldn't she do some other job during the summer? Perhaps she could share an apartment with a roommate who lives closer to town on the busline? It will be important for her to have the lump checked out. Perhaps it's nothing at all. Most healthcare providers will work with you to be on a payment plan. It's sticking her head in the sand to not go find out what it is. Many health insurance plans also allow for an annual examination to an OB/GYN for pap smear, etc. without a deductible/co-pay. That provider should be able to give her some guidance about the lump. Good luck. Perhaps she could live with you and help out a little with rent?
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June 1, 2010 by Donna
The govt.can't tell people what to use their unemployment checks for,so why try to tell people what kind of food they can buy? Bad times are bad enough why make it worse.Kids like what they like Are we supposed to tell them,Sorry you cant eat your favorite foods anymore because mom and dad are out of work.Now you have to eat what the goverment tell you to eat?Food stamps dont last all month anyway.The last week and a half we have nothing left.My husband would love to be back to full time work.Where is the work for Drywallers?Were not lazy people,Just desperatly hoping the economy will rebound.Isn't everyone?
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June 8, 2010 by marsha l hill
i need to report a change in my living arrangnement.
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June 8, 2010 by katie
We own a small business and have been able to keep things going so far....but things are starting to look bleak. I never thought I would be back on asst. it has been years and years! But if things dont look up I may have to. But the ironic thing is EVERY time I go to the check out with my buggy heaping full the checker always assumes my HUGE purchase will be paid for by food stamps! They always look surprised when I tell them no not EBT it s debit! I dont like the thought of being on food stamps but apparently if you shop big everyone assumes you r on food stamps. Think about it....when you see someone with a heaping buggy you dont think "wow, they must have a big family" or " i bet she's doing all of her shopping for the month" Really what do you think? Please be honest.:)
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June 18, 2010 by maryjane
why is it that all the people you see going in to a welfare office drive nices cars and have nice cloth and they dont speak a word of english i think if they come over then they should have to get a job not go right on welfare people that do need it and that live in the usa cant
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December 22, 2010 by Deanna Peterson
I am thoroughly disgusted with this whole system. I am 65 years old; the work I used to do was very physical, and after several surgeries, I was more of less force to retire. The SS check that I get every month is just barely enough to pay my rent and utilities. There is no money left for food. I am a diabetic, I cannot take my medicine, because I need to have food to back it up, so I have stopped taking my medicine because of that. Two weeks ago I applied for food stamps; they took all my personal ID's picture, finger print and all. I did everything that they asked. Today, I got a letter from them saying that I am getting 21.00 dollars over the limit every month. I have worked for over 30 years and that is all they have to offer, even if it would be until I could find a part-time job. When I went into the office, I am not lying, I was about the only person and maybe two others that spoke English; I hate to sound like a creep, but I bet the majority of those people are not citizens. On their application, they had at least 10 other languages for those people to fill out. Something does not seem fair, I leave it as I just happen to have the wrong last Name!!
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September 30, 2011 by brandy
okay for all you jerks i have a handicaped son tenncare says i cant go to work or my son wont have nursing if it was not for food stamps my children and i would starve but that would be okay is that what all you people r saying by the way i drive a 1992 chevy real nice
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December 26, 2011 by Marvin Foster
Brandy, I'm sorry that you have a handicapped child but you need to explain to me why it is my responsibility to help take care of him.
I also have relatives that need help but we don't live off yours or anyone else's money. I'm 70 years old and I still work 40 hours a week. I have no children but I have paid a lot of taxes into the school system hoping to help ecucate children but there has to be a point where it is no longer my responsibility to help support others.
BTW, there is work for stay at home moms.
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