People on food stamps

[kinda angry]

Okay, I just have to get this off my chest. I was at Wal-Mart today. I remember thinking how well dressed the lady in front of me was and also how many groceries she had. Lol. Anyway, at the end of her order which had to be a hefty amount since her buggy was filled to the rim, she pulls out her EBT card. Now, before I state why I got even more angry later let me say, I have absolutely no problem with people who are on fs. I completely understand that some people may need them for different reasons such as, disability (mental or physical), unemployment, temporary sickness, etc. Hell, I'd take them if I could get them. In this case, the reason I became angry isn't because this woman was well dressed. I noticed she had her nails done, hair done, nicer cell phone than I have (she was chatting away as she was being rung up). As if this wasn't enough I happened to be parked directly in front of her. So as I'm getting situated in my car, I notice her putting her groceries into a MERCEDES!!!!! Ok, I know that there are a number of things that could make this appear badly. How do I know this woman or her husband didn't have a great job, lost it, and now have to depend on the government? I don't! Or how do I know this car as well as everything else (hair, nails, phone) wasn't a gift? Again, I don't. But, let's say just for the sake of my aggravation that she was abusing the system and doesn't really need fs.... Am I wrong for being upset about it? I just feel as though if I'm working 40+ hrs a week, paying my taxes, etc... That someone on fs shouldn't be driving a mercedes with done up hair and nails while chatting it up on their iphone while I can only afford $100 a week of groceries to go in my Eclipse with my home done nails and hair and a blackberry! Anyone want to input?

[Same]

I, like you, don't mind when people who actually need assistance are on it. When people cheat and abuse the system, it's frustrating. It's like we work hard and pay taxes and pay our own insurance so people who are lazy (some, not all) can eat for free, get free insurance, free housing. Oh and the people on drugs. That burns me up!

[Nowoolpulledover myeyes]

Existing on $57 for groceries MONTHLY is rough. No FS for having a 27 year old broken down second vehicle. Can't sell it SO I'm hungry. Was told a car can be worth NO more than $4500. MERCEDES don't qualify! This woman cannot be truthful in her application - bottom line. This happens very often; Doesn't take too much smarts to realize who cheats, who doesn't. If you see her again; ask her how she is eligible. you and all other taxpayers are supporting the system and should have the right to rebel against such as this situation. I only feel resentment when my guts are growling and the pain is worse. Malnutrition is deadly. The woman is question is NO DOUBT being crooked. Investigation doesn't happen much; you will be told they DON'T HAVE RESOURCES FOR HIRING INVESTIGATORS. Can you believe this?
The food stamp program is for nutritional help. What gets me is seeing the junk food people use their food stamps/gratis taxpayers for ie. three cases of soda, frozen individual entrees. potato chips, junk, junk, junk. Such obesity we often see; then comes needed medical care, much of that on the backs of the taxpayers. We have a very screwed up system, every direction you peek into. It is so ridiculous. Frankly, the farther I stay away from such, the better off I feel. Save me from EVER depending, and thus becoming enslaved, on the "GOVERNMENT" handouts.

[What If]

Kinda Angry let me clue you in. The lady you saw most likely does not get food stamps. She most likely was using an EBT card that belonged to someone else. You use those cards just like a debit card. All you need to do is swipe and know the pin number. Someone she knows most likely sold her X amount of food stamps for X amount of dollars. They wanted the cash and she got the food. Most of the time the person who gets the stamps sells 100 dollars worth for 50 dollars and so on. Some of these people get 7 to 9 hundred dollars worth of stamps per month, are to lazy to cook and only buy junk with them. I am like you, it galls me to no end. My child works in a grocery store as a cashier and she sees everything. One lady had a fit on her because she forgot to scan a dollar coupon on her grocery order. She had an EBT card with 1300 hundred dollars on it.

[kinda angry]

Oh I'm fully aware of how people can use others card. This why I think they just just check the I'd against the fs card, but I guess that wouldn't work since most of the time there are atleast two people actually allowed to use the card and only ONE name on it. Such as a husband and wife. I also thought "maybe the car is borrowed" but that wouldn't explain everything else. I'm not saying folks on fs should walk around looking homeless or anything; I just think if someone can afford all that extra stuff then maybe instead of getting hair and nails done, buying an expensive cell, they should use that money to buy their own groceries. And you are right, a close friend of mine is on fs and she deserves them, being a single mother of 3, working and going to school, I feel she pays her dues and still has a hard time, so why not take some assistance. But, we go grocery shopping every Tue and I see what she buys and as much as I love her, I must say, she doesn't buy very much that would be considered nutritional, in my opinion. Sure, people can buy whatever they like and also I know that almsot everyone has sweets in their cupboard... Yet, she buys energy drinks, mostly frozen meals, STEAKS, ice cream, candies, etc. Its kind of sickening when I'm shopping with her and she's racking up on crap while I'm having to keep track of everything I put in my cart and make sure that it counts towards my kids nutrition. I guess its not my place to say who deserves them and who does not or what people should buy. It just gets under my skin. And those people who trade their fs for drugs or cash shouldn't have them period!! Drug testing should be mandatory to receive assistance. Sadly, if that were the case, I have a feeling a lot of innocent children in and around Carter Co would be going hungry and not get the proper medical care that they need and deserve.

[just my opinion]

I agree totally with what you are saying, and I too don't mind other people having to get help. Hell when I was growing up I know my mom, a single mother working, and putting her self through collage to better our lives, had to get help every now and then cause things would get though. But I too have seen people what you are talking about. I have a friend that has no car and has to work way too much and is a single mother and she has to ask me sometimes to go to the store for her. I will get the items on her list and use her fs card and you should see the looks I get because I have a newer car and nicer clothes and have a $400 phone and always have my nails done. But when I explain it to people then they understand. I know it can be frustrating but sometimes you have to wonder what the reason behind it is. I have to other wise I would be a little angry with a lot of people lol. I guess I walk around and say the people like that are doing what i do. I doubt that's the truth but it makes it easier to look away from and not be upset.

Oh and about the selling your food stamps, I am not saying this is right but I know some people that get loads of fs and during the winter they might have to trade fs for cash to help pay bills like electric bills cause we all know that can be high. Like I said I am not saying that is right but its better than sitting in the cold or haveing your lights turned off when you have kids.

[kinda angry]

You are right... My cousin said he bought fs off someone and at the time I was confused bc I didn't understand how someone could sell them. He explain that the man will just go to the store with him and check out just as if it were his own groceries. When I showed my frustration to him, he explained that he bought all of them because it was Christmas time and the guy used it to buy his kids presents and other stuff. That was touching!! But, my next thought was... Ok, now they have presents, but what will they eat for Christmas dinner. My cousin explain that they would get their card reloaded in just 2 weeks or so and they were eating Christmas dinner at a family member's and that they had enough food stocked up to last a few weeks. This story was very uplifting... Someone selling fs to do something for their family, something isn't really necessary, something for his kids and not himself. That, I have no problem with. If your children need lights, water, clothes, school supplies, etc and they only way to get that stuff is by selling your fs, then go for it. The only thing I will say about that is this: there is a place near Eliz High called "The Neighborhood Center" and they help with electric bills. They aren't very friendly, and they can only help you once a year, but that's better than nothing. Also, there are places all over town that help with clothing for kids and adults and also with school supplies. Now, if I may make another point, most of the people in this Co who are on fs aren't on them because they need help until they get back on their feet, they are on them because they are just flat out lazy. We all know its true, and most of those people live in government housing, meaning they do not have an electric or water bill.

[Stonycreeker]

The Gov really helped me with FS..I was and am single, had no job at the time, no insurance, didn't qualify for Tncare and don't have children. I got FS for 6 months only. And I was only getting 60.00 FS with no income like I said. Was in and out of hospital cause I was puking my guts out every other month for a whole day. Was told, it may be my gallbladder but wasn't sure. Because I had no insurance, I was sent home to lay in pain til i felt better. Was notified that my FS would discontinue the next month cause of a new rule. You can't get FS over 5 months if you're single. So, here I was,, no FS, No job and in pain.. Gov. Sucks! Mind you, my car is 21 years old, It's paid for tho and gets me to town and back. I did odd jobs for whatever money I could get. 10 and 20 dollars here and there. Set up at flea markets trying to make a dollar, but was paying more to set up 2 tables than i was making. Went out all the time tring to find a job and even had 15 years experience in one field and couldn't get hired! Life is hard and it gripes my ass to see people at the local stores using EBT cards who are better off than me. I'm not ashamed to ask for help when I need it. but getting turned down really hurts. I have since started going to the Health Dept cause once again even with a low paying job, I cannot get health insurance. But at least the Health Dept was willing to help with my sickness problem. I went thru major pain for over 8 years and finally, they sent me to have a test at Sycamore hospital and turns out, I have a problem with my stomach/bowel/intestine area. Being diagnosed with something there's no way to cure but to treat as best as possible really helped ;). I'm now taking meds that are only 25.00 a month to help with that and also found out I had another health prob that was detected by a simple blood test in which i was given meds that only cost 4.00 month at walmart. No more puking my guts out n being sent home to suffer. Only took one concerned doc that wasn't worried about money to help me. I live with a family member now and am doing part time work..semms there's nothing else in this area and still driving the 21 year old car. Life is great!

[kinda angry]

Stonycreeker, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I know how you feel to an extent. I need extensive dental work done and I simply can't afford it so day in, day out I sit with multiple teeth hurting. Sure, I can go to the dentist, but since I don't have dental insurance I can barely afford to go. Even if I could, a dentist can't keep giving someone pain medicine and antibiotics. That doesn't fix the problem. I "make too much" to qualify for the health dept. The system is so bass akwards. Its just not right. People like us, who try to work hard, do the right things, and obey the law get screwed over. Something needs to be done about this. Mandatory drug testing for assistance would be a start, but I doubt its ever going to change. Thank goodness my children were able to get Tenncare, if not, I don't know what we would do. My husband doesn't even get insurance through his job because of steep prices. I only have medical insurance through mine... The dental is outrageous! And they don't even offer vision because not enough people want it. While I was pregnant I looked into adding my child on my insurance (this was with my first) and turns out it would cost me 300.00 a month for us both... I can't afford that! I also receive WIC which helps a lot with the baby food and such, but not much else. I feel for you and the others (even myself) who could use the help and "don't qualify" because we work. Its just wrong and very frustrating.

[Beardog]

kinda angry wrote:

Stonycreeker, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I know how you feel to an extent. I need extensive dental work done and I simply can't afford it so day in, day out I sit with multiple teeth hurting. Sure, I can go to the dentist, but since I don't have dental insurance I can barely afford to go. Even if I could, a dentist can't keep giving someone pain medicine and antibiotics. That doesn't fix the problem. I "make too much" to qualify for the health dept. The system is so bass akwards. Its just not right. People like us, who try to work hard, do the right things, and obey the law get screwed over. Something needs to be done about this. Mandatory drug testing for assistance would be a start, but I doubt its ever going to change. Thank goodness my children were able to get Tenncare, if not, I don't know what we would do. My husband doesn't even get insurance through his job because of steep prices. I only have medical insurance through mine... The dental is outrageous! And they don't even offer vision because not enough people want it. While I was pregnant I looked into adding my child on my insurance (this was with my first) and turns out it would cost me 300.00 a month for us both... I can't afford that! I also receive WIC which helps a lot with the baby food and such, but not much else. I feel for you and the others (even myself) who could use the help and "don't qualify" because we work. Its just wrong and very frustrating.

What color was the car ?

[Stonycreeker]

my car is still the same color,,what's that have to do with anything? Thanks kinda angry. wish everyone was as understanding as you.

[damn angry]

What tees me off is the federal goverment will help just about every other nation on this planet but the USA. When you get down and out there is very little if any help you can receive from anyone without being made out a lieing worthless lazy bum or worse. It is a shame and disgrace that someone not of AMERICAN citizenship can get all of the gov. help that they need, but let good ole Joe or Jane ask and the door is shut in their face,with sorry you don't meet federal guidelines what a bunch of federalism being fed to us !

[Capshaw]

If someone lies on a food stamp application they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It is as simple as that. If you are so concerned you should have written down her tag number reported her and followed up with the agency responsible. There are more people on food stamps now than have ever been. That is because President G.W. Bush ran the economy in the ground while the richest got richer. For all you know she may have been shopping for someone unable to get to the store!

[Stonycreeker]

I think random drug testing should go into place for all FS recipients world wide. And I think the EBT cards should require a signature like a regular credit card user has to do. This would put a stop to alot of problems. The card should require a signature on the back also so the cashier can see if it matches. And to those who don't know,, I used to live under gov housing, and you do have to pay for electricity if it goes over your allotted price given. and even if you work part time, you have to pay alot even for an effientency apt which don't have a bedroom door. all open apt. making less than 600.00 a month on full time, your rent will be 175.00 month, and u have to pay for cable which i never had, phone, food, doc appts, gas,insurance and whatever else arises. gets pretty bad at times. but that was just me,cause i was single.

[kinda angry]

Beardog, it was a black Mercedes. Capshaw, since the trunk of the car was open because she was loading it, I couldn't even see the tag. I could have waited, I suppose, but that isn't my place. That is up to the agencies to take care of things like this. On top of that, like I stated, I didn't know if the car was even hers. I'm not a trouble starter. I just wanted to express my feelings somewhere and get some feedback from others. That's all. Damn angry, you are exactly right, there are all sorts of agencies who take up money and send it to other countries for a variety of things. I know things are bad in other places, but how about we make certain our own people are taken care of before we go giving money to other countries. What also gets my gears going is when I see families with 4 or 5 kids, the parents are dressed like a million bucks, and the children are wearing rags. They should be ashamed! I just don't understand people... I can't really say what I do for a living, but you would think I would make enough to care for my family with ease. I don't. We struggle, and we live paycheck to paycheck, as many other families do. I will say that in my line of work, I witness first hand what goes on in a lot of these homes and I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've walked into a home and seen kids playing with plates, pots, pans, silverware, etc because they have no toys. They will be running around in diapers (if they are lucky) and be filthy. The house will be disgusting, hardly any food in the cabinets, animal feces, etc. Its awful! But, honestly, there isn't too much I can do or say about it. I'm just there to check in. Another thing, these people who get their children taken away for whatever reason are almost always able to get them back under a few circumstances. Such as, getting sober, getting their home clean and livable, getting a job. The problem is, they only have to get the home clean enough to pass their inspection and then it goes right back to a land fill, the get a job, then lose it and get unemployment, they get clean or cheat to pass a drug test, then go right back at it. This stuff just urkes me!!

[seen it before]

I've been keeping up with this thread since it started, but didn't really want to input. I get fs and I have one child, and live with my boyfriend. We live in a nice home and both drive decent cars. I had a decent job and recently lost it. My boyfriend sells cars, so his paychecks aren't consistant and lately, he hasn't been making very much at all. We get plenty of fs so we don't go hungry, but in every other aspect, we have a rough time. We can barely pay our bills, gas hand is almost always on E, we never go out and do anything, we try our best to make things better so we can get off the assistance. I also receive unemployment. I have been searching for a job since I was fired (about 6mos) I am having zero luck. I have had plenty of interviews but it seems like when they find out I have a child and have to depend on my boyfriend getting home at a certain time so I can come to work, they lose interest. We can't afford daycare, so I literally would be dependent on boyfriend being home by 4pm everyday so I could be to work by 5pm. That's just not reality. With his job, he works a lot of hours. He is hardly ever home before 7pm. So, for me, finding a job has been very hard. We don't trade our fs or anything, but If we need extra money... We both can go donate plasma in johnson city. They pay us each $30 and we can donate twice a week. So, that's an extra $120 a week. That covers our gas. Its depressing to us that we have to rely on the government for help. It was embarrassing for us at first. I'm not going to lie, I used to look down on people with fs and such, but now I have a better understanding.

[AppalachianAmeri can]

This is the way of life for many in our area. We can all point out the fraud inthe system and see where it could be spent better. As with Food Stamps, it is easy to lie to the people. It is not their place to tell you that you cannot have a nice car. My mom only gets $900 a month in Social Security and pays half that in a mortgage payment, she only gets $100 a month in food stamps. My sister, was an LPN until she lost her job stealing meds, she lives in housing with 2 kids and gets almost $700 a month in food stamps. My mom has one of the boys almost 24/7 with no help from sister for food or clothes. My son is going ot college on the GI bill and he cannot get food stamps because he is a full time college student. He fought two tours of duty in Iraq. My cousin gets $200 a month for being homeless while living with his girlfriend. I don't qualify for anything since I work. My husband hangs drywall and we know that the work is so slow now. We do without food and sometimes only eat egg sandwiches for supper. I can't go to a food bank because then I would need to be late for work. It is a messed up system. We are growing a small garden for the vegetables.

[kinda angry]

See? That is my point, people who truly need it, can't get it. People who lie, cheat, steal, and are lazy... Get it. A very close family member of mine receives fs. Between her and her husband, they have 5 kids! They get $700 a month in fs, but they only have 3 of the kids full-time. Neither of them work. Everytime I'm around them they are talking about how they need a job and so on... Yet, they don't even try to get one. They also get welfare. I believe they get $400 a month from that. They inherited their home from a family member that passed, so its rent free. They have another family member that pays the electric, water, and cable. They have a government issued cell phone. They got it made.

[Stonycreeker]

hey kinda angry,, yes,, stuff like that gripe my ass too.

[i need it]

Me and my family need assistance. I have been unemployed for almost a year due to an illness. I took a leave from work, but they could only hold my position for so long. My job didn't offer short-term disability so I couldn't get that. My husband lost his job 2 weeks ago. I get unemployment for now, but it will be running out in about 3mos. My husband can't get unemployment due to the "reason" he was let go. We weren't eligible for food stamps until he lost his job, so now we are just waiting on a response. We have one child, so I think we have a better chance of getting it. I will be honest, I haven't been looking for a job too hard. Here's why: 1) my husband wanted me to stay home with our son anyway. 2) We can't afford the outrageous prices of daycare and have no one to watch him during the day. 3) the only job offer I've received was a part-time job as a hostess... Which means I would have been making about as much as I would with unemployment. The only difference is, I would have to have gas to get back and forth to work, pay either a daycare or individual for childcare. Its just not worth it. I would end up making more on unemployment. People can say what they want. Say I'm just lazy, say it isn't true. In my opinion, I have worked since I was 17. Never was without a job for more than a few weeks so I think that I have earned my unemployment and if I want to be on it for the full year, I should be able to do that without hassle. I have paid my taxes and worked for 10yrs to be able to use this assistance when I need it.