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Does anyone know of a web resource that describes and/or lists what is covered for purchase by food stamps?
While waiting in grocery store lines behind others, I've seen a few items purchased lately via food stamps/EBT cards that I find unusual and I was just looking to learn more about what my taxes are paying for.
Food and Nutrition Services is an entitlement program, so all eligible individuals and households can receive assistance. Benefits may be used to purchase most foods at participating stores. They may not be used to purchase tobacco, pet food, paper products, soap products, or alcoholic beverages.
I can tell you what they are good for, because I was on them briefly. ANYTHING edible, except some specially prepared foods from the deli, and even some of that is eligible now. Thjis includes soda pop, candy, potato chips, sugary cereals, bubble bubble gum, anything other than tobacco or alchohol.
I was too proud too apply for food stamps, even though I was a struggling single working mother. That was until I saw all the junk food people were buying with their food stamp cards in front of me at the check out lines. That was while they were talking on fancy cell phones I could never afford and then going to the parking lot to get into fancy cars I could never afford...
It made me mad enough that I applied. I honestly don't understand why there are no restrictions on what kinds of foods are eligible for purchase with those cards. If you are truly hungry enough to need assistance, you should be made to purchase foods with nutritional value - for the junk food, you should be on your own.
twice now, I've been behind someone who has had trouble with their card at the register, and whipped out a nicer cell phone than I have to call and get their new PIN number. While I waited, I observed the same types of items that you mentioned above... and thought to myself, how is some of those things that really helping someone who is HUNGRY!? That is definitely a system that needs an overhaul.
Just as badly as when I worked in a pharmacy and Medacare would pay for a set # of Viagra pills a month... that is NOT medically neccessary!
Most social services programs do have fraud departments; if you can slyly ascertain identifying info on people you suspect to be committing Food Stamp fraud, send it in! With the state budget in the toilet these days, state and county agencies are looking to cut anywhere they can.
When I was working at a grocery store 6 years ago while in college, it was nothing for someone to swipe a EBT card and then I take their groceries out to a Cadillac Escalade.
I actually saw that a few times. I have a friend that is a Assistant manager of one of the stores and he says he still sees it happening.
I worked as a bank teller for awhile - we used to wonder how the people coming in to cash welfare checks (before the EBT cards) were driving such nice cars. I STILL don't get that - the insurance alone is sky high let alone the car payment itself. But I guess if the government is paying for your other needs (rent, food, medical care), you can spend whatever else you get on a nice car!
I drive a 05 eclipse w rims. its pretty sharp looking but ive had a food stamp card for the past 4 months now, a lil bit before i was laid off. just because somebody drives a nice car and has a fancy cell phone doesnt mean they are not struggling. I used to have money to get those things before i was laid off but since u lose ur job u cant just give back cars and cell phones. they have contracts attached. im constantly on the verge of being completely broke trying to keep up with these "status symbols" i had back when i had money to splurge with. this is common. these things that u get mad that poor people have are just for show. Its hard to explain the real struggle if u don't have to live their life.
There are alot of things they put on the EBT cards now....even child support...so don't judge before you know what money is being spent...maybe it isn't your tax dollars.
There are alot of things they put on the EBT cards now....even child support...so don't judge before you know what money is being spent...maybe it isn't your tax dollars.
I didn't know that. It's hard to remember sometimes that you have to walk a mile in someone's shoes to really know what's going on. Thanks.
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