Food Stamps & Junk food!

Ramona - posted on 06/24/2010

I never said getting food stamps was wrong, did I? I have had them before and I realize that some people on foodstamps pay into the system; I did when I was using them. I only said that if I was on them, I would choose not to have more children to feed! I really don't think that's unreasonable. I also don't think it's unreasonable to regulate what is bought with them. I am well informed of all the hardships that befall families and I don't think temporary assistance is a horrible thing at all, only that if you cannot afford to have more, you should not! I never said that it wasn't acceptable for anyone to use them, did I? Please reread my post. :)

Good Day! - posted on 06/24/2010

Ramona, I think you need to stop before you dig your hole any deeper.

Ramona - posted on 06/24/2010

Good god, I keep reading my post and I think you all need to reread it. I said nothing that you are accusing me of saying, if you actually read it thoroughly!

Ramona - posted on 06/24/2010

Also, OLDER foster children are overpopulated. I know of many families who wait YEARS for new babies to adopt, and then many families who keep popping out children on foodstamps. That just doesn't add up!!!!

Ramona - posted on 06/24/2010

And no, I didn't say they should give up children they already have, I said that in the event they have more unplanned children, if they're worried about feeding that new baby, then it's something that should be considered. I also think that, in a bad situation, people have a responsibility to not have more.

Ramona - posted on 06/24/2010

I didn't say anywhere that I know what her situation is, I just said that if you are relying on government assistance (which she has said she is and I also have before and I still feel this way!) then, no, you don't need to be buying junk and you need to forego the cake. I did when I relied on it. I bought necessities. That's how it most certainly should be. When you have fallen on hard times, you sacrifice. That's life! And sorry about going off on the rant, but it is pretty ridiculous hearing about people not being about to feed their four kids and being pregnant., I wasn't referring to Teresa in particular...but nonetheless family planning much? If you choose to have children, you should make sure that in case of the unthinkable, you have a way of supporting them. I am sick of hearing the "Well what if you can't feed your kids!!!" argument. Ummmmm STOP HAVING THEM OR GIVE THEM TO ONE OF THE MILLIONS OF FAMILIES WHO WOULD LOVE A CHILD TO FEED AND COULD DO IT!!!!!!!!!!

Suzette - posted on 06/24/2010

I completely agree with LaCi and Sara. It is ridiculous (in Teresa's situation and many others) to assume that we know what a person's situation is. Teresa went through a lot of crap, so have many other people who are struggling to get back on their feet. They paid into the system that everyone is referring to as "their tax money" just as much as the next person. If they want to use that money to buy a birthday cake, goodies for their kids, a pack of soda, then they have every right to. No one is telling you how to spend your money, and the money they're using from the system is "their" money as well.

I also agree with LaCi's statement, "I'm a freakin' taxpayer so I pay into this system and have since I was 14 years old and will probably be paying into it until the day I die, so If I ever choose to get food stamps or assistance It's MY business what I buy because I essentially paid for it, I paid FAR MORE into this system than I will ever likely use. This isn't the government's money, this is OUR money in government's possession."

I also worked since I was 14 yrs old and have paid a hell of a lot into taxes, more than I have used even when I was on assistance. Sorry, when I was on assistance I bought what I pleased and if no one else liked it, well it's a good thing they weren't eating at my house.

@Ramona,
"I don't feel sorry for people just because they have X number of kids to feed that they can't afford to feed. I feel sorry for the kids!!! If you continue to have children you can't afford to feed, well, there are plenty of families who can't get pregnant who would LOVE to feed your children for you!!!! Stop having babies if you need help from the government to buy them birthday cake!!!!!!!!!"

You're not taking into consideration those who have certain circumstances. Such as military families who have spouses that die overseas. What about them? Should they give their children up for adoption because they now have to use the insurance money to pay off debt? What about other widows? Should they give up their children for adoption? What about single parents who have been left and the other parents are dead beats? Should they just give up their children?

Do you realize how over populated the foster system is and that most adoptions are done only with babies? Do you also realize that foster families there are quite a few that only do it for the money, not for the well being of the children? Do you have a suggestion for that problem? Personally I think we need to fix that a whole lot sooner than this issue. How about the fact that we have a lot of homeless teens and pre teens because of the foster home issues. Let's look at that and fix that issue before we tell people that they need to give up their children or just not get pregnant because of the "what if" issue.

Are you also against giving money to third world countries who cannot afford food, yet they still get pregnant? (Personally, I believe we need to take care of our own people in our countries before we go off giving money to others.) I'm just curious.

LaCi - posted on 06/24/2010

Ramona, I think its quite ridiculous to assume that you know someone's situation. Perhaps someone had 3 or 4 children while married and now their husband has died and, I don't know about where you live, but here finding a job is next to impossible over the last 2 years. So the widow gets assistance to feed her children, big freakin deal. Maybe someone had a tragic accident and ended up disabled and can no longer afford to support his/her family.

Secondly,I'm a freakin' taxpayer so I pay into this system and have since I was 14 years old and will probably be paying into it until the day I die, so If I ever choose to get food stamps or assistance It's MY business what I buy because I essentially paid for it, I paid FAR MORE into this system than I will ever likely use. This isn't the government's money, this is OUR money in government's possession.

Good Day! - posted on 06/24/2010

Ramona, you don't know Teresa's situation (obviously) and it is rude for you to say that she shouldn't have had kids.

And I think that is kind of the point of this whole thread. We don't know anybody's situation (unless they share it with us) and don't have a right to judge what we see in their cart from one shopping trip.

Ramona - posted on 06/24/2010

Also, in MY opinion, children don't NEED food treats. That's why this country is getting fatter and fatter! Parents shove goodies at their kids to stuff their faces and make them happy when they should be just spending time with them and doing low cost, fun family stuff like going to the park!

Ramona - posted on 06/24/2010

Teresa, no. You should be able to buy a birthday cake yourself if you are choosing to have children! Having children is a choice, not something that just falls down from the sky. I don't feel sorry for people just because they have X number of kids to feed that they can't afford to feed. I feel sorry for the kids!!! If you continue to have children you can't afford to feed, well, there are plenty of families who can't get pregnant who would LOVE to feed your children for you!!!! Stop having babies if you need help from the government to buy them birthday cake!!!!!!!!!

Jess - posted on 06/24/2010

Here in Australia a small group of people who receive welfare also receive food vouchers.... its a small group of people though.

The government here believes they have right to decide what that money is spent on. As a check out operator I had refuse to scan to "luxury foods" to people paying with vouchers. The rule was, if they can't afford to pay for their own groceries, they can't afford to be buying soda, lollies, junk etc....

All I was allowed to scan was essential living items, and fresh foods and frozen veggies, and some pre packaged items.

The vouchers weren't meant to fill cupboards with chips, but to put a healthy meal on the dinner table of the less fortunate. Im sorry, but I completely agree after seeing what people try to sneak through !

Erin - posted on 06/23/2010

@ Suzette:
"So people can't eat horrible, good, or use the money they've worked for to have a relaxing evening? I don't think it's right to presume that they're buying beer everytime they're at the store, or lobster/shrimp, or the sugary stuff either."

You are right, I should not assume anything...however I grew up w/parents who were both alcoholic smokers, and frankly I have little to no tolerance for this form of "relaxing." The thought that someone doesn't have money to be buying food and yet smokes cigarettes or drinks beer drives me up the wall...I'm sorry, it just does! I work @ a smoke shop & see ppl in ALL the time, the same ppl, buying cigarettes & beer, a whole lot every day, and that EBT card is under their debit...cigarette & beer are NOT cheap here in WA and no its none of my business and whatever w/these fools drinking & smoking every day complaining about not making it...its just something that I have lived w/, see non-stop, and just don't agree with. Want to relax? Go on a walk...

In regards to ppl taking nutrition classes, cooking classes, etc...I think these things should be taught in school to all youth. Because as others have mentioned, you grow up on crap you don't know any better... So teach them YOUNG how to make healthy food and what is the proper things to eat, how to shop for it, etc. and they can encourage their parents to eat properly if they forgot their own lessions.

Amanda - posted on 06/23/2010

I have been on foodstamps and I do agree to a certain extent. I do think there should be a limit on what you can and cant buy. maybe a certain amount that goes to junk food. but, weather your buying food, getting govt. assistance, or for w.e reason someone else is buying food for you and your family... it is solely that persons buisess as to what shes putting in her familys mouth. I personally put my help to good use but that doesnt mean im not going to buy a FEW snacks once in a while. when kids are deprieved of snacks, the will gorge when they get a little older and can get there hands on junkfood on there own. my aunt gives her chilren all healthy snacks, which is great, but my 11 year old cousin came to my house one day when i had a pan of brownies and litterally ate half the pan! anyway, yes you are right about not being allowed to buy all junk food, but people are going to make there own descisons on how they eat and shouldnt be critized bc they dont eat "organic" or 100% healthy reguardless of how they buy there food.

Nikki - posted on 06/23/2010

Wow, way too many posts to read! I may get bashed here, but I really do't think it's anyone's business what other people spend their food stamps on. Even people on welfare deserve to have the right to choose how they wish to eat, it's not like they can afford to go on luxurious holidays and outing, if it makes them happy to sugar load then I say go for it, what give's anyone the right to dictate how they should eat?

Teresa - posted on 06/23/2010

So my kids shouldn't be allowed to have a cake on their birthdays? No ice cream or cookies... ever? Pretty much the only treats 'I' can afford to buy them are edible ones. If we are in town and are hungry... we don't go to McDonald's, we go to the grocery store for lunch cuz I can't currently afford to feed them any other way.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion. I'm just glad I don't currently have to go by anyone else's opinion on what I can and can't feed my family. Especially since I can't get my PMS to 'shut up' w/out throwing a LOT of chocolate at it. ;)

Ramona - posted on 06/23/2010

The point is that people can spend their own money on whatever they choose, but when you are getting handouts, even temporarily, you should only be able to get nutritious foods that won't clog your arteries. I have used food stamps before and I did not buy crap with it. If I needed them again, I would not mind if I could only purchase nutritious food in the least. That is fine by me! I don't need klondike bars and coke! My kid doesn't either! I wouldn't buy them if I made a million dollars a year either because I personally would rather have a better quality of life. That's my opinion and I'm entitled to it an everyone else is entitled to their's. :)

Brandie - posted on 06/23/2010

One thing I think some people who replied to this topic don't understand is that tax dollars are used for everyone. Some taxes go to pay for public assistance while others go to fixing roads. If someone should be able to regulate what I buy from using food stamps, does that mean I should be able to regulate what road they drive on? Also, with today's economy you never know what's going to happen. The same people on here who get upset about what others buy from using foodstamps may one day find themselves in that position. Won't you be glad then that there is money available, money that came from your tax dollars and my tax dollars, to help you when you need it? As far as requiring nutrition classes and cooking for people on foodstamps - why not make it a requirement for everyone? Everyone needs to eat healthy and learn how to save money at the grocery store. But why can't we make everyone? Because we live in a country that's free and it's nobody's business how you live your life or raise your children.

Ramona - posted on 06/23/2010

Sherri, how is soda an acceptable substitute for milk? That really is not a healthful alternative for children! Screw the food stamp debate, it's just plain WRONG to deny your children of milk (which is good for them) and instead give them SODA (which dehydrates and fills them w/ empty calories).

Suzette - posted on 06/23/2010

@Sarah,

"I'm finished with this thread, not because I think any of you are right, but simply because it's become me against everyone else, and that's like screaming into a tornado- I'm just being drowned out.

I just want everyone to know that while I am fiscally conservative, I am socially liberal, so please don't get the wrong idea about me. I am not some sort of evil anti-social programming, hard core capitalist. I just believe strongly in social reform and this happens to be one of the areas I believe we can tighten up on- I feel equally as strong about raises for Congressmen!"

I'm not against you, as a person, at all. I disagree with your opinion on how to reform the welfare system as far as telling people how to spend their money. However, I do agree that there needs to be reform on many government programs, including welfare.

I'm actually independent, I don't agree with any one on many things yet I find that I agree with some on some things. (Hopefully that made some kind of sense? LOL)

I don't think you're evil, anti-social, or capitalist... lol. (Sorry for the "lol", I have yet to meet someone who I thought was all three of those things. ;) Though I don't think you're any.)

As far as raises for Congress, I'm right there with you. While we're at it, can we take their Jet away? What the hell is wrong with them flying First Class (even coach) like the rest of the people in the world? They're not better than anyone else. Sorry, I'll stop now... I'm getting way off topic.

I just wanted to clarify, just because I strongly disagree with you on how to reform welfare it doesn't mean that I believe you're an awful person. Heck, I might just strongly agree with you on the next topic we happen to meet on. ;)

Rosie - posted on 06/23/2010

holy crap jodi!! $14.31 an hour?!!! god damn i need to convince my husband that we are soooo out of here, stupid stubborn man!! ours is like i think $7 something an hour. i personally make $5 less an hour than your minimum wage, and my husband makes only a couple dollars more an hour.

our health insurance premiums are triple that, and my kids are covered by a state program for health, so that doesn't even include a premium for them.

i seriously am getting more and more pissed when i am hearing about how other countries work. it saddens me that my country can't be like that.

Rose - posted on 06/23/2010

i agree i hate when people use the food stamps for that. It should be for healthy foods mostly!!

Chaniece - posted on 06/23/2010

Just because she recieves food stamps doesn't mean she's willing to go out of her way to pay for expensive organic stuff. Her and her family have developed a taste for what they like, and obviously there not willing to try anything different rite now.

Jodi - posted on 06/23/2010

Sarah, its not necessarily you against everyone else, just that you hold a different opinion. I really do get your point to a degree. I may not go as far as you do on it, but I understand it. I have never been on welfare in my life, but in a way, in Australia, it depends what you consider welfare. I receive a family tax benefit, which is pretty much paid to anyone with children under a certain income. I can get free healthcare (well to a degree anyway), because our taxes pay that for everyone, no matter the income.



But I am not in the US, so I really can't comment on your welfare system. However, I DO know that there will always be people who take advantage of any welfare system, but IMO it is a minority, not a majority. If you look at ANY lawmaking throughout history, it is ALWAYS the minority that makes it difficult for the majority.

Sarah - posted on 06/23/2010

I'm finished with this thread, not because I think any of you are right, but simply because it's become me against everyone else, and that's like screaming into a tornado- I'm just being drowned out.

I just want everyone to know that while I am fiscally conservative, I am socially liberal, so please don't get the wrong idea about me. I am not some sort of evil anti-social programming, hard core capitalist. I just believe strongly in social reform and this happens to be one of the areas I believe we can tighten up on- I feel equally as strong about raises for Congressmen!

Lady - posted on 06/23/2010

We're looking at Perth near Garden Island - we pay £1100 a month now for a four bedroom and my hubby would get paid a lot more working in Australia so that rent doesn't sound all that bad to us lol!!

Jodi - posted on 06/23/2010

LOL Gillian. I think the worst thing is the cost of housing. I live in Canberra, where the cost of renting an average 3 bedroom would be around $1300 - $1800 a month (depending on the suburb). But I do know that Sydney and Melbourne are pretty horrific.

Lady - posted on 06/23/2010

Jodi you are making Australia more and more tempting, I can hardly wait till we move over there!!!

Jodi - posted on 06/22/2010

It sounds to me like the cost of living in the US is very similar to in Australia, but our minimum wage is $14.31 an hour (actually it is about to go up by about 60c an hour or something).....and the difference in our dollar values isn't that large. And we don't have to pay for health insurance (and those of us who choose to aren't paying insane amounts for it - mine is $120 a month).

Suzette - posted on 06/22/2010

Clarissa,



"It also irks me when people talk about MY MONEY, MY TAXES, I DID THIS, and I SHOULD TELL YOU"



I'm with you on this one. I didn't work my butt off from the age of 14 yrs old, voluntarily paying into taxes from that age, to hear someone tell me later how I can or cannot spend money that I paid into a government fund that was there if I needed it later. I say voluntarily paying taxes because at that time (I'm not sure if it's still this way) there was something about not having to pay taxes if you were a full time student under age. I chose to pay taxes instead. I'm glad I did too, I just thought it was right that I did.



"Just because someone gets something you don't, or can't afford, doesn't mean that they shouldn't get it because you can't. (I never understood that mentality.)"



I don't understand this either. Isn't this the same as saying "that's not fair that they can afford that and I can't" regardless of whether the other person is on welfare or not. I see people buying things that I'd love to have all the time, but I don't begrudge them for being able to afford those things. Good for them, regardless of whether it's bought from welfare or not.



I won't lie and say that I don't get agitated when I see someone I know who is in debt racking up more debt for themselves. I just think to myself and wonder why they do that to themselves. Of course, when they start griping to me about their debt, I shake my head. There have been times I've told people I don't want to hear it, after a while it becomes a thing of drama for them, like they're seeking attention.

Teresa - posted on 06/22/2010

Sorry, Laura, only my first sentence in my last post was directed towards you... should've made it a seperate paragraph. ;)

I know there is assistance out there to help me w/ schooling. The point was I couldn't emotionally leave my son for ANY reason at that time and school wasn't even a consideration at the time... which, like I said, really has nothing to do w/ the food stamp debate. Working w/ kids is reasonably the only job I can ever do (trust me, I have ISSUES) and I don't know of a single job working w/ kids that would pay enough to get me off of every single type of assistance. That was my other point. As Suzette, mentioned... our cost of living is quite insane and at this point moving isn't an option or even a consideration.

CLARISSA - posted on 06/22/2010

Okay, so after reading all 139 comments, I have to say that I agree with most of what everyone had to say. What I find most annoying and just rude are the people who not only make assumptions, but just sterotype everyone that recieves public assitance. Just because you live a certain way, or can do so much with so little, doesn't mean that we all can. I guess I just wasn't dealt the right cards, but I'm working with what I have.

It also irks me when people talk about MY MONEY, MY TAXES, I DID THIS, and I SHOULD TELL YOU.... To me it's the samething as hearing people that don't have children complaining about having to pay taxes that go towards schools and other programs to help children. You may not like it, it may not be "fair", but as the saying goes: "life is not fair."

Yeah, there should be provisions and a major changes to the way foodstamps are used, but like another poster said, trying to look down on someone because they don't live as you do, or do what you do is just sad. Just because someone gets something you don't, or can't afford, doesn't mean that they shouldn't get it because you can't. (I never understood that mentality.)

IMO, I would love to see changes made, but until they are made, I won't be in the check out line thinking: "I can't afford that, so why should she," or "Look at the way she is spending my hard earned tax dollars," or "She/He is on public assitance, she/he doesn't have the right to make any choices."

On a side note, I didn't know that the amounts could vary so much from state to state. I was on food stamps from the time I was four months pregnant, until my daughter was four months old. I went from getting $200 dollars a month in stamps to $367 dollars, and I had about $400 dollars in money coming in.

Suzette - posted on 06/22/2010

Laura,

Was that a question or a statement? Sorry, the last part confused me a bit.

If you'll look back at my previous posts you'll see that I stated that not in all states can someone get medical and foodstamps. Even if a person has children they can't necessarily get both. For example, my cousin can't get medical for herself but she can get medical for her children and she can get foodstamps for her family. (Arizona)

Arizona would only give me medical, Mississippi refused to give me medical but would give me foodstamps. I was working at the time I was in MS but not at the time I was in AZ.

Every state is different. MS told me the only way I could get medical was if I were pregnant, over 65, or had children. AZ told me the only way I could get foodstamps is if I had an itemized list of bills, but since I was house sitting for my parents, then it was up to them to provide food. Even though I was in college, had loans and grants, and no income.

At the time, I had no children. (But I had to have medical, I didn't have a choice with the medication I have to have to regulate the seizures.)

You don't always get health care benefits with welfare, they're two separate things in each state. And you don't get dental with medical either.

Isobel - posted on 06/22/2010

So Suzette, if you make the exact same amount of money, would you stay at home and raise your kids or would you go work 10 hours a day...if the money is the EXACT same...except that if you have welfare you also have health care benefits and dental...there really isn't a choice

Suzette - posted on 06/22/2010

@Teresa,

(To stray off topic.... )

I think single income families in Hawaii are a HUGE exception to the rule, especially when it comes to single parent families. That state is so expensive it's insane, even when you have an income and you're doing your best to make everything the best you can. My husband has an Uncle & Aunt that live there, along with most of their grown children and families, and we hear about how outrageous it is all the time. I feel horribly for them, he's disabled and slowly progressing toward worse in his health, and they're on assistance at this point. :(
I hope that everything works out for you!

Isobel - posted on 06/22/2010

Teresa...you are not understanding me...there is assistance (what you call welfare in the US) designed especially for single moms to go to school.

I'm not saying you should be able to do it without assistance, I'm saying...choose your type of assistance wisely. I'm willing to bet that your state has a program that is designed to help single moms go back to school.

I, for instance, was able to get student loans that covered my tuition AND the cost of living for my family, and I only had to pay back a bare minimum of that amount.

I am thankfully able to be out of the system now, but will be forever greatful that I found out about that program.

If you are on food stamps, do you have a worker? if so, he/she might be able to tell you where to look...if not, call the school you want to go to and ask for the financial aid department...they will know what to do.

Going on welfare keeps you on welfare, going back to school can get you back on your feet :)

Suzette - posted on 06/22/2010

Laura, no it didn't sound like American bashing. :) There are plenty of military families (in the U.S.) that have the same problem.

Suzette - posted on 06/22/2010

@Laura,

"No offense, but if I lived in the US and I were a single mom, I would refuse to work for minimum wage...cause daycare costs more than minimum wage pays...exactly how do you expect women to work if they cannot afford daycare?"

I don't know about other states, but I know (for certain) that in Arizona, they offer assistance with daycare if you're on welfare and you make only so much money.

Jennifer - posted on 06/22/2010

@ Teresa, I hope you get the job! Good luck!

Teresa - posted on 06/22/2010

Laura, if you are on assistance the state will pay for childcare. I couldn't leave my son. I spent the first 4 months of his life crying ALL the time because I knew I 'should' leave him and get one of those minimum wage jobs. I was seriously so depressed that the ONLY reason I even got out of bed each day was cuz I had 3 kids depending on me to feed them, take them to school, and stuff.

Things got better when I started babysitting since I was bringing in a little money on my own and still able to be w/ my baby. That only lasted for one school year though and by that time my son's seperation anxiety was so severe that I couldn't even leave him w/ someone for 5 minutes or he'd be up most of the night crying and nursing....

He's gotten a lot better now, but there is still only one person I can leave him w/ unless his sisters are w/ him and she has a 3 year old, a 1 year old, and she's pregnant, so... stress!

I've got one more year before he's eligible to go to preschool AND I might get lucky enough to be a preschool aide at the same school that my dad teaches high school, so... I'm doing whatever I can to start getting our lives in order until that point. Though I still don't see how it will ever be possible for me to support us w/out at least food stamps and housing assistance. I'd be willing to bet that it would be almost impossible for a single mom w/ 3 young kids to support her family w/out ANY assistance or child support over here.

Wow! That was a lot of way too much information and most of it had nothing to do w/ the food stamp debate. Sorry. That's why I try to keep my mouth shut (or in this case, my fingers still)... I never know when to stop..... gqtm

Jennifer - posted on 06/22/2010

I pay $1-$2 for tuition, A TON for books, but there are programs to help, and get pretty good grants, LOTS of scholarships for minority women and single moms! Just keep your head up, and do your best ladies!

Isobel - posted on 06/22/2010

the good thing is...for those who are out there...Canada (and I hope the US), offer more money for single mother students than they do for welfare...always check all your options!

Isobel - posted on 06/22/2010

and before that sounds like America bashing...it's the same in Canada...if you are a poverty stricken mother, the system is a never-ending viscous one.

Jennifer - posted on 06/22/2010

Or the stay at home moms of newborns are forced to leave because of abusive husbands

Isobel - posted on 06/22/2010

No offense, but if I lived in the US and I were a single mom, I would refuse to work for minimum wage...cause daycare costs more than minimum wage pays...exactly how do you expect women to work if they cannot afford daycare?

Abbey - posted on 06/22/2010

My family and I are on food stamp assistance. Since being given the assistance, I have for the most part, changed our diet. We never ate horribly, but we did eat some processed foods. I buy as much as I can to make the meals, instead of relying on a bag to make dinner. But every once in a while we do use or food stamps to get something sweet. I do think she might have also been buying for a party or something.

Sherri - posted on 06/22/2010

Sarah we are on food stamps but my husband has health insurance through his job and we pay an awful lot for it about $105 dollars a week. So no we are not on medicaid either.

Suzette - posted on 06/22/2010

Oh, and I did not mean the ones who CAN'T find a job, the ones who REFUSE to work for minimum wage because they feel they're too qualified, too good, etc. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. ;)

Suzette - posted on 06/22/2010

@Sarah,

"Actually, a considerable number of social service jobs have been created in the last 2 years b/c of the recovery act funding- that is federal grant money, not sure about your state."

Really? I know Arizona, and a few other States from what I'm told, have closed some of their offices consolidating to other offices and laid off quite a few social service jobs due to the economy. I'm not sure what States you're referring to.

"As for the social security argument- I don't know when you are retiring, but it's pretty much a given that social security won't be available after the baby boomers get done wiping it out. Not to mention that your eligible amounn of social security is decided by how much you have paid into the system.. So the longer you have worked, the more money you have made and the more taxes you have paid all increase your amount up to the maximum. Wouldn't that make for a lot of hungry people if we decided to do foodstamps the same way?"

The Social Security reference was to compare the two. Whether or not it will be available when we're old enough to collect is a completely different debate. The fact is that people pay into both social security and welfare just the same, they can collect just the same. If you're wanting to regulate one, why not the other? The fact is that you can't do it, it's not our business (or anyone's really) how the money is spent. These people paid taxes into those funds in order to have them there when they need them. (Or their spouses did in order for that money to be there for their families.) Telling them how they can spend their money would be the same as them walking into your home and telling you how to spend your paycheck. It's wrong.

"As for how simple it would be to come up with alternative food/nutrition plans, it;s actuially allready accomplished. so i guess it wouldn't be that difficult, except for actually implementing the plans that are allready in place."

There is no program in place for Food stamps and what they can and cannot buy.

"I have no problem with people who need assistance getting that assistance, I certainly don't want to starve people. I do have a problem with people with lifetime, multi-generational assistance seekers . (Check out California's upside-down budget b/c of this problem!)"

I also have a problem with those who are on assistance for a lifetime, unless they have a damn good reason for getting that assistance. California's budget problem is MUCH more than just that. Such as the Federal Government refusing to pay for the maintenance on Federal Land but telling California that they HAVE to keep it open and maintained or else. (They've done this to other states as well.) There are lots of other reasons for California's budget issue, not just because of welfare.

"I think the system is flawed and that it needs provisions, not only because it promotes poor healthy (which means more costs in the long run b/c if you're on foodstamps, chances are you're getting medicaid too!) but also because we, as a nation, need to start making fiscal changes to get our deficit under control."

I was on Medicaid in Arizona, not on Foodstamps. I was on Foodstamps in Mississippi, not on Medicaid. In quite a few States, certain age groups cannot get approved for both unless they have children, are pregnant, or over the age of 65. (Mississippi is one of those states, so is Arizona.) I'm also epileptic, and a student, both States had documentation of these things, it didn't matter.

Yes, we need Welfare reform but telling people how they can spend their foodstamps isn't going to help with the deficit. Weeding out the ones who refuse to get off their butt and get a job... that would help.

Teresa - posted on 06/22/2010

Laura, or the men leave their uneducated (but not unintelligent), stay at home wives w/ twin 6 year olds and a newborn. ;)