Food Stamps Can Be Used for Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Jewelry

[Bud in WV]

Link I found this at -
http://www.reagancoalition.com/artic...l-patrick.html

original story -
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/pol...ome&position=0

Ties in with the local store here - after the power outages from storm the government is going to replace the food lost for those on food stamps - the rest of us that actually pay taxes to provide those food stamps are just SOL!

Liberals buying votes? Nah....nothing to see here...keep moving with the sheeple herd.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~

Dem. Governor: Food Stamps Can Be Used for Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Jewelry

7/11/12

Deval Patrick, Massachusetts Governor, vetoes a common sense bill that would limit food stamp use. With overwhelming bipartisan support, the Massachusetts legislature pass a bill that would ban EBT food stamps from being used for "tattoos, guns, porn, body piercings, jewelry, fines, and bail". (Boston Herald).

The Governor says those that passed this bill are guilty of "political grandstanding".

State Sen. Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth):

“A lot of people in the Legislature, and a lot of taxpayers for that matter, believe there are a lot of problems with our EBT system... Some of us have worked hard to try to address those problems. Some of us actually take our jobs seriously, and to be accused of political grandstanding, I think it’s irresponsible and immature of the governor to speak that way.”

Massachusetts House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-N. Reading):

“He’s accusing us of political grandstanding ... Well, I think he’s pandering to a political clientele who are in support of him and he wants to maintain that support.”

Jones is right. When you have such a large percentage of people now dependent on the Government to live and eat, you are going to have a really tough time cutting back on their benefits.

By the way, Deval Patrick is the politician that Obama mirrored his campaign after.

[Dobbin]

I like Governor Deval Patrick. He's so PREDICTABLE.

And south of the Cow Hampshire border.

Dobbin

[dstraito]

How about passing a law limiting food stamps to bulk beans, rice, milk and hamburger meat?

[kyrsyan]

Ummm, foodstamps can't be used for "Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Jewelry". That's all food stamp programs nation wide. No exceptions. Food stamps can only be used for food unless you have a provider that is committing fraud.

Now EBT cash can be. But EBT cash can come from any number of sources, including child support. But I could agree with limiting EBT cash from welfare programs in such a way. But not EBT cash from other sources.

This is just political grandstanding and stirring up the people who don't know any better.

[MetalMan]

I wonder if EBT food stamps can be used to make political contributions?
.
Mm

[naturallysweet]

Ummm, foodstamps can't be used for "Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Jewelry". That's all food stamp programs nation wide. No exceptions. Food stamps can only be used for food unless you have a provider that is committing fraud.

Now EBT cash can be. But EBT cash can come from any number of sources, including child support. But I could agree with limiting EBT cash from welfare programs in such a way. But not EBT cash from other sources.

This is just political grandstanding and stirring up the people who don't know any better.

I've fine with them banning money put on an EBT cash card, that was put there as child support, from being used to pay for tattoos and piercings. Why do you believe that money meant to feed/clothes/house small children should be used for these things?

[BL225128]

Ummm, foodstamps can't be used for "Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Jewelry". That's all food stamp programs nation wide. No exceptions. Food stamps can only be used for food unless you have a provider that is committing fraud.

Now EBT cash can be. But EBT cash can come from any number of sources, including child support. But I could agree with limiting EBT cash from welfare programs in such a way. But not EBT cash from other sources.

This is just political grandstanding and stirring up the people who don't know any better.

How do you differentiate from the sources if it's all on one card? Since effectively those resouces given to the welfare classes courtesy of the taxpayer, it is essential that the recpient classes utilize these only for essentials: food, water, shelter, medicine. Cash money (drawn off the EBT card, hairbrading, tats, gold grillz, jewelery, booze, smokes, etc., are not essentials and therefore should not be subsidized.

[gawarriorqueen]

Why are we supposed to be worried about embarrassing these welfare whores? Go back to the original food stamp program where everybody in line sees them using stamps. Go back to distributing commodities which would lessen food stamp fraud. I'm sick to death of my hard-earned cash being given to lay-abouts who spend it foolishly and then complain that their kids are hungry. Why do we continue to enable this behavior? I'm all for helping someone who has a genuine need, but being born black does not constitute an entitlement to what I have worked to earn. Welfare states never end well, and neither will ours.

[Wise Owl]

I wish you all would stop using the words (food stamps ) and lumping all people in one group.
Some of the elderly get FOOD STAMPS and that is all they are.
Not to be confused with EBT cards.
Food stamps are for food, no prepared food, no candy, no soda, no Beer, no cigs, no tats, no toilet paper, no soap or laundry detergent, no pet food,
Do you get it ? Just food. So get a grip and get is correct.
However that is not to say that I don't agree with everything else about EBT cards.
They are a joke, free money for the Dung of society to spend as they wish.
And yes it's at everyone else expense.
gray wolf the hubby--------------rant and comment off.

[Wise Owl]

Ok folks, it's time to figure all this out.

These EBT cards have TWO different functions that our government has lumped into just a single card.
They are for food purchases if you only receive that option.
They are also used for cash purchases if you qualify for that.

When you swipe your card you are asked if it is for food or cash. If you are using it for food (and that is all you qualify for help with) it will pay for food in all the states. It will not pay for beer or cigs or any fully prepared meals. At lease NOT in Maine.

If you qualify for cash assistance because of dependents or child support payments that would be the cash option at the checkout. This option depends on what state you live in as to what you can do with that cash, ( I think) and most of the elderly don't have that on their card.

These welfare moms must be really good at milking the system. And that is a crime if they can work instead of being baby machines.

I also think reform on this EBT system is a must. For those like my dh and myself who are disabled and unable to work anymore plus elderly, the foodstamps/EBT card is a lifesaver. Without it, I have no idea what we would do at this point.

I realize that most people here are not on the SNAP program, (foodstamps) cause if they were they would not put up with all of us getting help monthly because we dearly need it, being lumped into the same group as those who get food AND cash. I also realize that these folks who get both have figured out how to work the system to get pretty much ANYTHING they want with their EBT cards and that is a crime. I don't know how to stop that unless the cash option is taken off that card and the individual states themselves pay the rents/utilities or whatever that money is meant to be spent on instead of the client just getting the cash to do as they wish with.

But, the whole thing is complicated now. Not like it used to be with a real book of food STAMPS that you had to give to the cashier to pay for your food with.
When they put both options on a single credit card it was ripe for abuse just by the way it is set up.

I just wanted folks to know that not all of the people getting help with their food are a bunch of do nothing frauds. And lumping everyone together like this is very offensive.

The frauds need to be in jail for abuse of the system. OR made to get a job and their benefits shut off. (like that is going to happen with Obama in office)

Wise Owl

[Josie]

Why are we supposed to be worried about embarrassing these welfare whores? Go back to the original food stamp program where everybody in line sees them using stamps. Go back to distributing commodities which would lessen food stamp fraud. I'm sick to death of my hard-earned cash being given to lay-abouts who spend it foolishly and then complain that their kids are hungry. Why do we continue to enable this behavior? I'm all for helping someone who has a genuine need, but being born black does not constitute an entitlement to what I have worked to earn. Welfare states never end well, and neither will ours.

I say do away with EBT. Like gawarriorqueen said, go back to the distribution of commodities. Make 'em "work" for their food by atleast standing in line instead of sitting in front of the television or laying on their backs procreating. Monday is dairy day. Tuesday is veggie day. Wednesday is fruit day. Thursday is grain day. And finally Friday is clothing day. Photo ID required to receive anything. That way, everyone will have a photo ID for voting, too. And no more free housing. You do something for that roof over you and yours head. I don't care if it's mowing lawns, trimming bushes, picking up trash or painting the walls.

[Be Well]

I say do away with EBT. Like gawarriorqueen said, go back to the distribution of commodities. Make 'em "work" for their food by atleast standing in line instead of sitting in front of the television or laying on their backs procreating. Monday is dairy day. Tuesday is veggie day. Wednesday is fruit day. Thursday is grain day. And finally Friday is clothing day. Photo ID required to receive anything. That way, everyone will have a photo ID for voting, too. And no more free housing. You do something for that roof over you and yours head. I don't care if it's mowing lawns, trimming bushes, picking up trash or painting the walls.

And a free bus ride to ag fields where they don't have enough workers, if they want the commodities.

[Wise Owl]

I say do away with EBT. Like gawarriorqueen said, go back to the distribution of commodities. Make 'em "work" for their food by atleast standing in line instead of sitting in front of the television or laying on their backs procreating. Monday is dairy day. Tuesday is veggie day. Wednesday is fruit day. Thursday is grain day. And finally Friday is clothing day. Photo ID required to receive anything. That way, everyone will have a photo ID for voting, too. And no more free housing. You do something for that roof over you and yours head. I don't care if it's mowing lawns, trimming bushes, picking up trash or painting the walls.

Altho that may sound like a great idea, our gov doesn't have any of this stuff anymore. They don't give out commodities at all or at least very, very little.
And for those truly who need the help, having to travel daily somewhere to pick those items is unrealistic.

We get once a month, two brown paper bags of food from a Senior food program in our county. You have to be 60 years old and prove you are under the nation poverty level.
There are food pantry's for other folks to get help.
We have used those pantry's also but sometimes there isn't even enough gas money to get to them.
I added the food pantry thing because they are by donation only. The gov has pretty much stopped giving food to these places. They rely on private individuals and churches to help get food. Sometimes it's grocers who send them dated goods.
But even there, the shelves are getting bare.

Personally I don't know how these people get all this stuff. I guess dh and I are too honest to try to scam the system at our ages. It does upset us both when we go without and they do whatever they want with their bennies.....sigh.

I guess Obama is their sugar daddy tho. Don't think I want that from him. I don't want to be under anyones control like that.

[raven]

I saw one of those Food Stamp tattoos - chick had it on her lower back, half above and half below the waist band of her pants - so hot
And there was this guy at the whole foods that had pierced that plastic food stamp card through the center part of his nose - too much for me when he went to swipe it on the reader - i changed lanes.

[kyrsyan]

I've fine with them banning money put on an EBT cash card, that was put there as child support, from being used to pay for tattoos and piercings. Why do you believe that money meant to feed/clothes/house small children should be used for these things?

I don't believe it should be. And my son's child support would not be used for such things. But I also know women who were talked into getting alimony listed as child support. I don't understand why they would agree to such a thing, but then I've also seen the reverse as well. But there are also people out there who allow their children to get tattoos and piercings. Again I don't agree with it. But it would be an expense that is in the care of the child.

In the case of child support, if the parent paying has an issue with how the money is being spent then they can, and should, take the issue back to court.

Now welfare payments are a whole different can of worms.

[kyrsyan]

Why are we supposed to be worried about embarrassing these welfare whores? Go back to the original food stamp program where everybody in line sees them using stamps. Go back to distributing commodities which would lessen food stamp fraud. I'm sick to death of my hard-earned cash being given to lay-abouts who spend it foolishly and then complain that their kids are hungry. Why do we continue to enable this behavior? I'm all for helping someone who has a genuine need, but being born black does not constitute an entitlement to what I have worked to earn. Welfare states never end well, and neither will ours.

Umm, I worked as a cashier when they had the original paper food stamps. I can guarantee you that there was a lot more fraud using those original paper food stamps. A lot.

And using a Food stamp EBT card is embarrassing, at least to me. It's a distinctive card that can't really be confused for anything else. I'm embarrassed every time I have to use it. But it's either use it or not have food for my child, so I use it.

And not all food stamp recipients are black. Nor are they all lay-abouts. Some are just people stuck in some very bad situations trying to find their way out.

[kyrsyan]

How do you differentiate from the sources if it's all on one card? Since effectively those resouces given to the welfare classes courtesy of the taxpayer, it is essential that the recpient classes utilize these only for essentials: food, water, shelter, medicine. Cash money (drawn off the EBT card, hairbrading, tats, gold grillz, jewelery, booze, smokes, etc., are not essentials and therefore should not be subsidized.

The EBT card here gives different options for EBT cash vs reg. cash. I don't use either because putting child support on the card would be too expensive. The per transaction fee was outrageous. And I won't apply for welfare cash. We may be fighting to survive but we can do it at current levels. I don't see a reason to involve the govt. in our lives any further.

[Chair Warmer]

I say do away with EBT. Like gawarriorqueen said, go back to the distribution of commodities. Make 'em "work" for their food by atleast standing in line instead of sitting in front of the television or laying on their backs procreating. Monday is dairy day. Tuesday is veggie day. Wednesday is fruit day. Thursday is grain day. And finally Friday is clothing day. Photo ID required to receive anything. That way, everyone will have a photo ID for voting, too. And no more free housing. You do something for that roof over you and yours head. I don't care if it's mowing lawns, trimming bushes, picking up trash or painting the walls.

EBT Cash - is child support.

It is paid when a parent signs up for AFDC (Aid for Families with Dependent Children) This is what people call "welfare".

When entering this program, the custodial parent must give information about the absent parent. They must sign away all rights to child support, and the child support then goes to the state.

In return, the custodial parent gets a monthly check from the state. If the absent parent is not paying child support, the state goes after them for legal enforcement to make them pay up, with payment going to the state.

The state puts the money on an EBT Cash card. This cash is paid into state funds and transferred to the child's custodial parent.

It does not come from tax payer money unless the absent parent isn't paying child support. It's a sort of child support insurance program - guaranteed payment - for the custodial parent to receive the child support payments.

The cash is supposed to be used to support the children. This can include covering living expenses, clothing, haircuts, food, transportation costs, entertainment, etc.,



EBT Foodstamps - is for FOOD ONLY.

[Josie]

Altho that may sound like a great idea, our gov doesn't have any of this stuff anymore. They don't give out commodities at all or at least very, very little.
And for those truly who need the help, having to travel daily somewhere to pick those items is unrealistic.

We get once a month, two brown paper bags of food from a Senior food program in our county. You have to be 60 years old and prove you are under the nation poverty level.
There are food pantry's for other folks to get help.
We have used those pantry's also but sometimes there isn't even enough gas money to get to them.
I added the food pantry thing because they are by donation only. The gov has pretty much stopped giving food to these places. They rely on private individuals and churches to help get food. Sometimes it's grocers who send them dated goods.
But even there, the shelves are getting bare.

Personally I don't know how these people get all this stuff. I guess dh and I are too honest to try to scam the system at our ages. It does upset us both when we go without and they do whatever they want with their bennies.....sigh.

I guess Obama is their sugar daddy tho. Don't think I want that from him. I don't want to be under anyones control like that.

WiseOwl, the government needs to take the money that would have been put on the card and buy food. Good, basic food like milk, eggs, cheese, flour, butter, sugar (in moderation), oatmeal, apples, bananas, grapes, chicken and fish. Instead of all the convience cr@p that only serves to pack on the pounds. Teach them how to cook, like I am sure you do, more from scratch than from a mix. I'm willing to bet that there would be a boat load of money saved from scamming the system and fraud.

I'm sick and tired of paying for anything more than the basics for people that don't seem to have any interest in doing anything for themselves other than "getting theirs". Yes, some people are on this system through no fault of their own. These are the ones the program was originally set up for. A little help until they can get back on their feet. But too many are using it as a way of life. We now have third, fourth and dare I say it, fifth generations using this as a life style. I see too many women using the EBT cards in checkout lines, while sporting an expensive manicure, a weave, cellphone (and not the cheap kind like I with the basice phone plan but an iphone with expensive data package), designer purses and clothes and their eight kids that they brought along with them going crazy. This type of bleeding has got to stop.

As for this being impractical for those living out in the boonies, I would not be opposed to paying a stipend for gas to allow them to come and pick up their allotment.

[MCA911_777]

I wonder if EBT food stamps can be used to make political contributions?
.
Mm

lol

[packyderms_wife]

here's a thought, with bams handing out free cell phones, lap tops, and smart tablets to the "disinfranchised" group and free wifi everywhere there has arrived a point in history where there is NO reason to not be employed! If you can text message you can work, period!

Think on this one awhile, if one really wanted to push this the multi generational welfare recipients would no longer be able to collect their bennies. It could even be set up like farmville, want your steak then complete these tasks!

K-

[kyrsyan]

here's a thought, with bams handing out free cell phones, lap tops, and smart tablets to the "disinfranchised" group and free wifi everywhere there has arrived a point in history where there is NO reason to not be employed! If you can text message you can work, period!

Think on this one awhile, if one really wanted to push this the multi generational welfare recipients would no longer be able to collect their bennies. It could even be set up like farmville, want your steak then complete these tasks!

K-

How the heck do you get free laptops, tablets and wifi?!! I saved quite a bit to get my son a tablet to use as his communication device. I'll be honest, I would have jumped at the chance to get it for reduced or free. Total cost was over $600. That's a lot of money in our household.

[Jakk]

I wish you all would stop using the words (food stamps ) and lumping all people in one group.
Some of the elderly get FOOD STAMPS and that is all they are.
Not to be confused with EBT cards.
Food stamps are for food, no prepared food, no candy, no soda, no Beer, no cigs, no tats, no toilet paper, no soap or laundry detergent, no pet food,
Do you get it ? Just food. So get a grip and get is correct.
However that is not to say that I don't agree with everything else about EBT cards.
They are a joke, free money for the Dung of society to spend as they wish.
And yes it's at everyone else expense.
gray wolf the hubby--------------rant and comment off.

My neighbor is a disabled senior, gets about $49 in food stamps via EBT card, and I take her food shopping. She CAN purchase candy, soda and prepared food as long as it is not eaten in the store. Those roasted chickens that are hot and ready to eat, she can buy it because it's packaged for take out. She can buy any candy or soda if she wanted. She doesn't on a regular basis, but will if she is having company or a holiday. I know, because I take her shopping every month. She cannot buy the other things that are listed such as pet food, laundry soap, cigs or liquor.

[naturallysweet]

I wish you all would stop using the words (food stamps ) and lumping all people in one group.
Some of the elderly get FOOD STAMPS and that is all they are.
Not to be confused with EBT cards.
Food stamps are for food, no prepared food, no candy, no soda, no Beer, no cigs, no tats, no toilet paper, no soap or laundry detergent, no pet food,
Do you get it ? Just food. So get a grip and get is correct.
However that is not to say that I don't agree with everything else about EBT cards.
They are a joke, free money for the Dung of society to spend as they wish.
And yes it's at everyone else expense.
gray wolf the hubby--------------rant and comment off.

Incorrect. I used to work in a grocery store. Food stamps can be used to buy candy, soda pop, and processed food.

You are correct that they can't buy beer, dog food, or toilet paper. But if cash is loaded onto the card as well as the SNAP(foodstamps), then they can buy anything with that cash. That's what the discussion is about.

[Josie]

EBT Cash - is child support.

It is paid when a parent signs up for AFDC (Aid for Families with Dependent Children) This is what people call "welfare".

When entering this program, the custodial parent must give information about the absent parent. They must sign away all rights to child support, and the child support then goes to the state.

In return, the custodial parent gets a monthly check from the state. If the absent parent is not paying child support, the state goes after them for legal enforcement to make them pay up, with payment going to the state.

The state puts the money on an EBT Cash card. This cash is paid into state funds and transferred to the child's custodial parent.

It does not come from tax payer money unless the absent parent isn't paying child support. It's a sort of child support insurance program - guaranteed payment - for the custodial parent to receive the child support payments.

The cash is supposed to be used to support the children. This can include covering living expenses, clothing, haircuts, food, transportation costs, entertainment, etc.,



EBT Foodstamps - is for FOOD ONLY.

And all this would work out great...as long as the supporting parent can be found and made to pay. If baby daddy can't be found, or has no money/job, or is unknown, the tax payer is on the hook.

Let's see here, we've got free education...tab picked up by taxpayer. There are free meals for the children (breakfast and lunch)...tab picked up by taxpayer. Free groceries (for those with no sugar daddy/mama)...tab picked up by taxpayer. Subsidized housing...tab picked up by taxpayer. Help with utility bills (LIHEAP)...tab picked up by taxpayer. Free cell phones...tab picked up by taxpayer. For cryin' out loud, there is a totally free website to find out all the free programs you might qualify for!! (GovBenefits.gov) One thing I did find interesting. Poor is never used when describing these programs. The PC word is "disadvantaged".

I do feel it right to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and shelter the homeless. God commanded us to do this. But there has to be a limit. God never commanded us to provide things like cell phones. He never commanded us to provide all this for the able bodied indefinately.

[packyderms_wife]

How the heck do you get free laptops, tablets and wifi?!! I saved quite a bit to get my son a tablet to use as his communication device. I'll be honest, I would have jumped at the chance to get it for reduced or free. Total cost was over $600. That's a lot of money in our household.

If I knew how I'd tell yah and yet I meet people locally that have free cell phones, lap tops, smart tablets, and they sit at the lcoal coffee shops using wifi, etc. ALL of THEM are on disability so maybe that's the secret??? If it is then my dad bought his laptop when in fact he should of gotten a free one, oh wait he's white so no dice there! And I"m not the right kind of native american to qualify for anything so no dice there either.

I think the free cell phones, lap tops, and smart tablets are the modern version of 40 acres and a mule but I could be wrong.

K-

[MCA911_777]

here's a thought, with bams handing out free cell phones, lap tops, and smart tablets to the "disinfranchised" group and free wifi everywhere there has arrived a point in history where there is NO reason to not be employed! If you can text message you can work, period!

Think on this one awhile, if one really wanted to push this the multi generational welfare recipients would no longer be able to collect their bennies. It could even be set up like farmville, want your steak then complete these tasks!

K-

IF Americans would Focus on the Corrupt Banking System and the Mongrels who are large and in charge, America would become America again instead of AMERIKA!

Jesus said,"We would always have the poor" so I'm gonna leave the issue with this Hedge Fund BS, the JP Morgans, etc...
~MCA

[packyderms_wife]

IF Americans would Focus on the Corrupt Banking System and the Mongrels who are large and in charge, America would become America again instead of AMERIKA!

Jesus said,"We would always have the poor" so I'm gonna leave the issue with this Hedge Fund BS, the JP Morgans, etc...
~MCA

Again someone who misses the point... think 40 acres and a mule and you will be there!

K-

[Mr. Gravy]

I do feel it right to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and shelter the homeless. God commanded us to do this. But there has to be a limit. God never commanded us to provide things like cell phones. He never commanded us to provide all this for the able bodied indefinately.

When a person gives of their own free will to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and shelter the homeless that is charity as God commanded us to do. When the Govt takes it by force to give to others then its theft and it makes the person who is stolen from a slave.

[Mr. Gravy]

And all this would work out great...as long as the supporting parent can be found and made to pay. If baby daddy can't be found, or has no money/job, or is unknown, the tax payer is on the hook.

Let's see here, we've got free education...tab picked up by taxpayer. There are free meals for the children (breakfast and lunch)...tab picked up by taxpayer. Free groceries (for those with no sugar daddy/mama)...tab picked up by taxpayer. Subsidized housing...tab picked up by taxpayer. Help with utility bills (LIHEAP)...tab picked up by taxpayer. Free cell phones...tab picked up by taxpayer. For cryin' out loud, there is a totally free website to find out all the free programs you might qualify for!! (GovBenefits.gov) One thing I did find interesting. Poor is never used when describing these programs. The PC word is "disadvantaged".

I do feel it right to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and shelter the homeless. God commanded us to do this. But there has to be a limit. God never commanded us to provide things like cell phones. He never commanded us to provide all this for the able bodied indefinately.

I know people who live in Govt subsidized housing and are "over qualified for the housing" so they are PAID to live their. They get their apartment for free plus a bonus check each month to live there.

[kyrsyan]

If I knew how I'd tell yah and yet I meet people locally that have free cell phones, lap tops, smart tablets, and they sit at the lcoal coffee shops using wifi, etc. ALL of THEM are on disability so maybe that's the secret??? If it is then my dad bought his laptop when in fact he should of gotten a free one, oh wait he's white so no dice there! And I"m not the right kind of native american to qualify for anything so no dice there either.

I think the free cell phones, lap tops, and smart tablets are the modern version of 40 acres and a mule but I could be wrong.

K-

Can I have 5 acres and a mule? I'd be able to be off all govt programs with that. But then I'm an independent stubborn sort of cuss.

[MCA911_777]

Again someone who misses the point... think 40 acres and a mule and you will be there!


K-

I don't think I missed your point.

I think you mistook my point but many do,no problem.

We need not worry when it all belongs to the Creator.
Positive Volition is a start and a Must, to receive the blessing's that He has chosen for All of His people no matter if it's 40 acres or a tent.

Folks who use & abuse the system will pay...if not IN this life the price will be paid in the life after.
~MCA

[VesperSparrow]

And I shouldn't have read this one either...I JUST KNEW I shouldn't have read this one either...but I did anyway....

[Wise Owl]

My neighbor is a disabled senior, gets about $49 in food stamps via EBT card, and I take her food shopping. She CAN purchase candy, soda and prepared food as long as it is not eaten in the store. Those roasted chickens that are hot and ready to eat, she can buy it because it's packaged for take out. She can buy any candy or soda if she wanted. She doesn't on a regular basis, but will if she is having company or a holiday. I know, because I take her shopping every month. She cannot buy the other things that are listed such as pet food, laundry soap, cigs or liquor.

I don't know what state you live in but in Maine, you can buy soda (dh was wrong on that) but none of the other items. No prepared foods like the chicken.

Like I said above, each state makes the rules about what food stamp money can purchase.

Personally, I would LOVE to get surplus foodstuffs. When I was very young (about 24 yrs old) and just divorced from my first husband and had 2 young children, I applied for food stamps. I don't remember for sure how much I got but it wasn't a lot back then. They only bought food. Same deal as now up here in Maine. But you could go to the county seat (dhs place) and pickup surplus food for your family depending on how many children you had. They had wonderfully large bags of flour/rice/sugar and yeast, butter, veggies, canned meats and cheese to help feed your children.
I used this for a year or so till I could find a job. I lived in the country and had to travel to work in town and jobs were scarce for a woman to get even then. But once employed, I stopped the food stamps and the free food stuff. I also had a large garden and raised chickens to help feed my kids.

This is how it ought to be now but isn't. But I wish it was. That flour was to die for. It made the best bread and the butter was delicious. I worked hard to feed my children and keep a roof over their head. I didn't get any money back then and I don't think other single mothers did either. Just help with food. It was up to the ex to pay child support, not that my ex did very much of that. It really was a struggle to get by. Thank God my parents helped out with housing letting us live in their other house on the farm and giving me land to garden on.
But that is what families are supposed to do. Help out their family members.

But I digress.
This whole thing with the ebt card has made screwing the pooch easier for these fat, lazy professional moms in the cities. Their mothers teach them how to scam the system and how to make babies so they can get more. If you have enough kids you can live pretty good, I think. Those women need to be taught how to do a job and told that without them at least trying to find some kind of work, their help will be cut off.

Back when I got them in the 70's, they checked each month as to whether I had found a job yet and made sure I was looking for work. They even said they would pay a babysitter if I found a job. (I didn't do that cause Mom babysat for me when I went to work.)

I hated living that way. I hated going in for help. It was NOT how I was raised. But then I wasn't a ghetto brat either. I am sure there are plenty of people like that who actually need the help. The problem lies in how to help them get back on their feet again. But those who are making a living on welfare need to have it either cut drastically or something needs to be done. I don't have any suggestion on how to do that, I am sure others do tho.

[Grammytomany]

While we were grocery shopping this past week, my husband picked up a receipt from the ground to throw away and he was shocked. It was an EBT receipt (we taxpayers are crazy to let the O do this to the food stamp program). It had listed 4 cooked lobsters and 4 T-bone steaks on the list!!! None of which we could afford to buy with a clear conscience. but what we get for being frugal is letting other people spend the money that we saved all our lives for and paid the taxes to the Govt. So very, very sad. I am all for helping anyone who needs help, but that kind of hypocracy and blatant theft really disturbs me.

[gawarriorqueen]

When a person gives of their own free will to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and shelter the homeless that is charity as God commanded us to do. When the Govt takes it by force to give to others then its theft and it makes the person who is stolen from a slave.

You've got that right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[packyderms_wife]

While we were grocery shopping this past week, my husband picked up a receipt from the ground to throw away and he was shocked. It was an EBT receipt (we taxpayers are crazy to let the O do this to the food stamp program). It had listed 4 cooked lobsters and 4 T-bone steaks on the list!!! None of which we could afford to buy with a clear conscience. but what we get for being frugal is letting other people spend the money that we saved all our lives for and paid the taxes to the Govt. So very, very sad. I am all for helping anyone who needs help, but that kind of hypocracy and blatant theft really disturbs me.

Do you still have the reciept??? This is the sort of thing that should be scanned and then pasted ALL OVER the internet!!!

K-

[Wise Owl]

While we were grocery shopping this past week, my husband picked up a receipt from the ground to throw away and he was shocked. It was an EBT receipt (we taxpayers are crazy to let the O do this to the food stamp program). It had listed 4 cooked lobsters and 4 T-bone steaks on the list!!! None of which we could afford to buy with a clear conscience. but what we get for being frugal is letting other people spend the money that we saved all our lives for and paid the taxes to the Govt. So very, very sad. I am all for helping anyone who needs help, but that kind of hypocracy and blatant theft really disturbs me.

How about taking it to the local HHS building and showing it to them? The number of the person using the EBT should be on it or at least partial and they "should" be able to get the name on it thru their system.

I have eaten lobster twice in the past 13 years of living up here. First time was a lobster roll that a friend bought for me. Second was when our neighbor across from us was up to his camp. He owns a charter service down in the Portland area and goes lobstering. He brought us two nice fresh ones which I pigged out on cause dh can't eat shellfish....lol.

I wouldn't buy lobster on foodstamp money. No way. That extra it would cost for just one meal would buy 4 or 5 of our usual meals. (Not even sure how much they cost these days)

Like I said, I guess I am too honest or too frugal. I try to stretch every penny of it for real food. No box mixes or stuff. I even make our own pizza from scratch. I bake our bread. I think I have bought 1 or 2 loaves of bread this year so far. Both were for a treat of some rye bread which I can't seem to make decently.

How to do these people make it thru the rest of the month if they blow their fs money on stuff like this? I know we couldn't. We are broke by this time of the month anyway and to splurge on things that I KNOW we can't afford to buy? What's up with that?
How do they do it?
I am clueless.

[doctor_fungcool]

OLD PROVERB

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.



NEW PROVERB

Give a man a welfare check, a cell phone, cash for his clunker, food stamps, section 8 housing, Medicaid, 100 weeks of unemployment checks, a 40-ounce malt liquor, needles, drugs, contraceptives, and designer Air Jordan shoes and he will vote Democrat for a lifetime.

the author? Anonymous

[BertaBurtonLake]

I wouldn't buy lobster on foodstamp money. No way. That extra it would cost for just one meal would buy 4 or 5 of our usual meals.

You are of a rare mindset in the FS world, Wise Owl. You have an entirely different mindset than many people who DON'T get FS. You are more of a frugal, self sufficient type. Many, if not lost FS users have a different mindset. They think of FS as free money for food, so why should they not live as high on the hog as they wish? To me, it is somewhat analagous to the people who view credit cards as money, not debt.

FS users could double or triple the amount and quality of food they buy if they thought like you do, but they don't so they won't and you can't make 'em. It is part of the 'entitlement mentality' which you and a few rare others do not have.