Food Stamps

[mrogers45]

I don't see a thing wrong with using food stamp to purchase Halloween candy.  I feel like the food stamp recipient has the right to buy whatever food items they choose to feed their families.  I don't know the food stamp rules in other states but I know in Oklahoma, only food items can be purchased with food stamps.  Alcohol and cigarettes can not be purchased with food stamps. 

[king4cash]

The Food Stamp program is very important, but it should only be used to purchase food....

[hawkeye3210]

If we start regulating what food is bought I think that becomes a bit ridiculous. I see no reason Halloween Candy can't be purchased with Food Stamps, especially if bought at Dollar General obviously she was looking to save but still wanted to participate in the holiday. But beyond that a lot of options at stores are not "nutritious". I knew a friend on Food Stamps who would buy store brand of anything she was looking to buy. She bought canned vegetables over frozen or fresh, because they were cheaper even though they were less nutritious. I agree alcohol and tobacco shouldn't be offered on food stamps, but I have no right to tell an entire family what they can and cannot purchase at a grocery store.

It's already regulated on what you can buy. More regulations are coming.

[bshee58]

Food stamps are meant for you to get food, i'm on disability and its hard out there for people who really need it, people misuse things like that shouldn't have to get it if they use it to take care of hungry kids. Food stamps are a necessity not a way for you to go out and buy alcoholic beverages or cigarettes, put those stamps you get to good use. 

[surveypro2016]

I am currently unemployed and have applied for disability due to multiple medical issues. I have no income. I had to apply for food stamps and was initially given $194 a month to live on. I also get reduced priced utilities including internet. I recently had to renew my eligibility for my utilities. All my bills came to $500 a month including rent. I was paying $10 for gas and $10  for electric every month. They asked for my income. I told them I had none. Then, how are you paying your bills? My dad helps me. They said we need a notarized statement stating what he helps you with. I got it and presented it to them. BAM! Because of my "income", my gas and electric both went up to $30 a month each and my food card was reduced to $91 a month. I can't win!!! lol

[surveypro2016]

I am currently unemployed and have applied for disability due to multiple medical issues. I have no income. I had to apply for food stamps and was initially given $194 a month to live on. I also get reduced priced utilities including internet. I recently had to renew my eligibility for my utilities. All my bills came to $500 a month including rent. I was paying $10 for gas and $10  for electric every month. They asked for my income. I told them I had none. Then, how are you paying your bills? My dad helps me. They said we need a notarized statement stating what he helps you with. I got it and presented it to them. BAM! Because of my "income", my gas and electric both went up to $30 a month each and my food card was reduced to $91 a month. I can't win!!! lol

Oh, and to make matters worse, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease a couple months ago and must be Gluten Free. GF products are 3 times the cost of their counterparts. I buy a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, rice, etc but even those items are not cheap. I have to buy what ever is on sale for the week.

[freedavis]

Never used food stamps but I think they are very useful

[snuggleycutejc]

I was very grateful for my food stamps when I needed them. Actually, I feel I could use them now because just make over the limit.

[dsawan]

yep just food

[Bonami]

Those who are on food stamps have to apply to get it. I do not know what kind of regulations are in place for the recipients of this benefit but it is in the best interest of those who are on food stamps to buy food over cigarettes or alcohol but if food stamps allow these products to be purchased, then it is up to the buyer.  Are most people assuming that those who uses food stamps are unable to make the correct choices?

I can also judge those who buy big cars versus small cars because of the environment or I can judge people who buy foreign cars versus domestic cars, etc.This is America, the food stamp recipients have the right to choose what they can purchase with it. And if they make bad choices...they are simply learning to live. Isn't it what life is about? Experiencing and figuring out what make it work for ourselves. Do we need someone to step in to give their two cents when they do not know what the situation is...for that particular person? Is it O.K. to shame them from buying alcohol or cigarette or candies? Should it be a teaching opportunity for those who knows better?

[vg7405]

The state and local governments need a serious overhaul in the welfare department. Too many slimeballs use the system to their advantage (and overinflate their "poorness"). This is why you see welfare families with numerous children driving around in luxury vehicles. And I have witnessed it personally. On the other corner is myself, a law-abiding citizen who works hard for every dollar (despite being in physical pain at times), but has to support slimeballs younger than myself who are too lazy to get a job and take care of their 5 million children.

[Cbsteffen]

I agree with you.

[ancmetro]

   How safe is your food? The real problem is:
"Not all foods are edible". Watch out for potential
side effects and allergies. Some people get full amounts
while others get little amounts.

[Zhongmou]

I don't believe that fast food or even pop should be able to be purchased with a food stamp card. I would also like to add that I would completely support food stamp recipients being drug tested. When I was younger, I received these benefits while I was attending college and was very grateful for them. I have also been in the situation of making slightly too much to be eligible to receive them, and see others buying a cart full of junk while I am struggling to have enough to have lunch meat for the work week. 

[king4cash]

food stamp will not last for the next generation............