I didn't mean there are people out there that don't abuse it there are just a lot that do. And those are the ones that are noticeable. We used food stamps for a few months after our first son was born and dh was laid off and I was still in high school. But we used them the way they were supposed to be used. And we worked our buts off to not have to use them.

As far as eating good food, I don't see anything wrong with treating yourself occassionally. We all know if you don't treat yourself once in a while you'll go nuts. But there are people out there that abuse the system and treat themselves alot more than they should when you are on a fixed budget and that is all I was trying to say.

It isn't fair that dh and I work our tail ends off and can't buy those 'treats' like some people on stamps do at the beginning of the month and then beg for handouts at the end of the month or complain that they don't get enough.

Jobs are not plentiful, I will agree to that. But the people I am refering to won't get off their ..... to even try. They just let the goverment support them.

I hear people say all the time they don't get married cause momma and kids get more in aid and they wouldn't get that if they were married. Well that is.......

But really life isn't fair. But again to any mommy on here that uses food stamps or wic, I don't fault you at all. Obviously you are trying to save, you're on MS!

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gourdlady




"I do not regret the things I have done, but those I did not do"

I agree but those are the ones that would buy that stuff with their own money because they are just plain lazy to cook. There are lots of folks on food stamps who buy things to make meals with. If that's all they buy than yes, their food stamps will run out fast. I don't think we should categorize that all people on food stamps are like that. I see others that do appreciate it and do what they can to make it last.

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Mom to Kellan 12-16-2000
Brooklyn 12-27-2005
Nolan 10-15-2007
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A family relative receives food stamps. She has a family of four, receives medicaid for her kids and about $230/month in stamps. She just took an EXTREMELY pricey Disney vacay this month and when she got home, her utilities were off because she didn't pay the bill. Before this, she used ALL of her income tax $ on paying off the trip and she shopped till she dropped for a good two weeks. She bought lots of new clothes, shoes and went out to eat with the fam everyday up until their vacation. She also treated herself to a $300 spa day at a high end resort here in Scottsdale...is she...INSANE? Oh, she also has the b&**s to complain because they cut out her food stamps to $150 per month. These are the people that make everyone else judge the rest of the population that receives these benefits. I think the government should screen the people applying for these goods more carefully, because I'm pretty sure she isn't the only one. I understand that there are people in great need for them, and these are the people that don't think in materialistic goods or overzealous wants. Oh, and she also has a Blackberry Curve and her dh has an IPhone. Dun. Dun. Dun...

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You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

So many of these posts make me sad. While I agree that the system needs to be changed in many ways and I know that some abuse it, I take issue with some of the underlying assumptions people make about "those people."

There is so much prejudice against those needing help, like food stamps, and that attitude harms honest, hardworking people who happen to need a helping hand while not affecting the abusers at all. The system abusers aren't the ones who care what people think.

I was on food stamps for about a year at one point. I was a single parent (divorced) to a 10-month-old child. I was a full time college student - got a bachelor's degree in 3 1/2 years - and worked a minimum of 20 hours a week on top of that. I was always aware of the judgmental attitude and assumptions of many. So much so that many times I would not be able to bring myself to use the food stamps even though I absolutely needed to. I'd get to the checkout line and pay with a check instead. Then I'd scramble to find a way to make up the difference. I hated being in a position where I needed help - that in and of itself was bad enough. But to have my every action, every purchase scrutinized and judged by every person with a superiority complex was humiliating and degrading. I didn't buy steak or name brand cereal or anything of the kind. But still I'd think, these strawberries are XX dollars. Should I put them back? Should I live on rice and beans and potatoes?

My point is that people should be careful before making sweeping generalizations about "those" people because the only ones you're hurting are people like me, the ones who have no intention of taking a handout any longer than necessary and use it as a means to better their lives and those of their children. I've gone on to get a graduate degree and a professional job that guarantees that I pay back my share of the taxes, even for many things that don't personally benefit me.

That all being said, I agree that the amounts (full amounts) are more than enough to feed a family. I think that mandatory classes on budgeting/money management as well as grocery shopping and cooking would be a huge benefit to many on these programs. My major issue with the system and society's attitudes about the system is that they both encourage a cycle of use. Instead we need to build participants skills and confidence, as opposed to labeling them as losers, and reward those who try and work to make their lives better, instead of penalizing those people and guaranteeing that many people are better off NOT working.

Off my soapbox now...

Okay people...time to hear the OTHER side of this story! My DH works full time and takes any overtime he can get. I cannot work because of Tommy's health. It's just not safe for him to be in a daycare environment. His trach could come out or he could catch the common cold and it could kill him. I HAVE to stay at home and not work.

We DO get food stamps. We get $216 a month and Tommy gets WIC because he is on special formula because he is fed by tube. My husband was recently diagosed with congestive heart failure. His diet must be completely LOW sodium. I now must pay MORE money for fresh/frozen veggies, no mac and cheese, no ramen. Lean meats only. This is his life and I'm not willing to compromise that. That being said, I can make $216 stretch the entire month and in the past, stretched a mere $86.

My kids don't get a ton of treats. They don't even get MILK! They don't get big Tbone steaks, they get chicken out of the big 10# bag at Walmart. I do shop smart and I was thrilled to read that we may get a boost in our benefits. I hope it happens!

How dare some of you sit around and slam people on food stamps without knowing the entire story! Yes, there are abusers. I agree with that. MOST of us are NOT abusing the system, but just trying to get by! I am 100% NOT ashamed to say that I am taking care of my kids by taking help where I can get it. If that means food stamps, WIC, welfare, Medicaid, or walking through hot coals, I'm going to do it.

My kids deserve a little something once a month from the grocery don't they??? I cannot afford to go pick them up a toy or take them out for a movie. What if the only treat you could buy your child was a box of cereal in a pretty package? Wouldn't YOU? Flame me, ban me. I don't give a crap. Get off your high horses and look at who you may be offending lumping every person who gets food stamps into one category.

My family has been through H*ll and food stamps has been our saving grace. Stop turning up your noses until you've walked in someone else's shoes.

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TommysMommy is very correct. There are many people, probably even most people, that are not abusing the system and that is something that we all need to keep in mind, especially when dealing with such a sensitive subject.

TommysMommy thank you for reminding us all that there is another side to the story.

Thank you Tommysmommy and kat_lover, I think you both are great examples of why the food stamp system is in place and how it is a saving grace for families that need it. Amber03, I appreciate reading your comments too, those who need assistance should not be criminalized.
While I question the mentioned amounts in the article itself, I do know many mothers who have used food stamps, most were in school or single mom's with more than one young child trying to get by (not able to send their kids to school yet and work during school hours). The system has it's issues and is constantly being reevaluated, but I think it is also important to see the positive outcomes of a system designed to help people.

I Just Have to Say Anyone Who recieves assistance is Darn Lucky .

I Know People who Don't even have 100.00 A Month to Get Groceries. Yet they Don't Qualify.
everyones Bills go Up , Everyone has Needs , And not everyone Has the safety net of knowing they can at least spend 200.00 at the store each month.
I Guess that is always the Problem I Have.

If you are Getting 400.00 Or Whatever , Shouldn't You Be Happy with that? Why Complain and Say It isent Enough.
There is No one here I Am referring to. I Am Just Making a General Statement By Stating " You"
How can One family Make 400.00 and Complain , yet there are People All over Struggling Every Day.

For the same reason that Americans complain about rising prices and a weakening economy when there are countless people in the world who can't afford a cup of rice and are starving to death. For the most part, people are concerned first and foremost with their own survival and comfort, and don't always stop to put their lives in perspective. I'm sure most of us are guilty of this - right or wrong. But by this standard, very few people would ever have the right to complain.

I totally agree. We have no room to complain at all.

I want to apologise if my post was one of the ones that upset you all. I'm sorry. I, and I'm sure everyone else, never intended to offend. I do know there are people out there that are receiving assistance that truly need it, and it is their saving grace. But it is very hard to remember that when the only people I have personally encountered are these "abusers." My family was also on assistance for a while when I was young, and my mother worked very hard to make the small amount we received work. I have been through rough times myself, but have always made it (somehow) on my own. I have lived on ramen noodles and frozen green beans for weeks at a time. I am glad that the programs were/are there to help those who need it, but I do think that they need a makeover and a better screening process to determine the actual need. I also think the mandatory workshops are an excellent idea.

I hope things have gotten/will get better for you.