Food Stamps

dudeinaroom

Grimster74 wrote: »

On a different rant about food stamps. When people like my wife and I which are both unemployed and collecting unemployment checks file for food stamps we are told after receiving food stamps for two months, we get a letter stating that we make to much money on unemployment only to have our food stamps taken away from us. It's the people or families like my wife and I that have kids and could really use the help that get denied. Been working everyday of my life up until the last year, paying taxes like hell all my life and can't get any help, go figure. Hell, they even took my kids medicare insurance away cause they said we made to much on unemployment. So we are considered a uninsured hungry family.:biggrin:

I feel for ya man. It is crazy how broke the system is. The people who can get help are those who have 5 cell phone, satellite/cable, internet, smoke 5 packs a day, have to have brand new everything, eat a McD's every day, have online gaming subscriptions, high monthly insurance rates on their sports car, I think you get my point.

dcmartinpc

bobman1235 wrote: »

Maybe. I used to see a lot more of this when I lived in the city (as opposed to New Hampshire). A good percentage of people would be using their food stamp cards (and they do limit what you can buy with them,b ecause often these people would separate their groceries and make two purchases - one for food stamp items and one for not). And a surprising number would be talking on nice cell phones, or taking things out of designer bags. I could be like Jason up there and ignore these things or pretend they are in a minority, but if you see it enough times it begins to wear on you.

Personally, asking for help would be a last resort, after I sold all of my unnecessary luxury items, tried to get jobs I would have previously considered "below" me, etc. So yeah, seeing someone with a Gucci purse or whatever, talking on their iPhone, and using government funds? It is annoying. And I see it often enough that I have to believe it's not as "in the minority" as you claim.

Bingo! Imagine seeing this being in line buying a case of ramen noodles just so you had something to eat after being DENIED help. I still to this day do not know why we were denied, but we were. Thankfully, I got a job 2 months later and have been fully employed ever since.

Don

Jeff_J

obieone wrote: »

I'd have put a cap in his ****$, taken the stamp card, maxed out the buying of it, and turned around and donated the food to assorted charities, i.e. Salvation Army, local food banks/ soup kitchens, and 'militarycarepackages.net'.

^^Wow.:eek: :rolleyes: I'm not even going to touch upon that!

Jstas

I had a moron friend on food stamps. He had a debit card that would get automagically replenished each month. He was on it for unemployment benefits. He was supposed to be using it to feed his kid. But he would come over to help me out with something and stop at a convenience store on the way over and pick up sandwiches, sodas, chips and cookies and say he got lunch. I was like dude, WTF? He'd get mad when I refused it.

I see what bobman is talking about all the time though. It's not about race 'cause garbage comes in all colors, shapes and sizes. But it always makes me wonder how people can afford a $400 iPhone and the $100 a month data plan that comes with it but they can't afford to buy food without assistance? Man, for $1600 a year I can eat like a king if I shop smart!

It's not just Cadillacs and Lexuses (Lexii?) either. I went to a WAL*MART the other day and saw a young couple arguing over a purchase while their toddler child was screaming it's head off in the cart. They were dropping f-bombs left and right and calling each other awful, awful names. I ended up behind them in line and they whipped out the food stamps card. In NJ, you can get clothing on certain food stamps programs. Well, they left with a cart full of stuff. I paid for my purchases and walked out. When I got outside, there was the same couple loading up their brand spankin' new Chevy Camaro. It was yellow. Still had temp tags. They were still yelling at each other too. I was rather flabbergasted.

cokewithvanilla

H9, I am sure that varies by state. I would like to think that they are limited. However, 7 years ago I worked at a grocery store in MI, and it was a running joke that the food stamp crowd could afford better food than everyone else. I remember having to help someone load their car with 50 or more pounds of steak they bought with food stamps.

Here in TN, this guy can offer to buy ANY groceries. In order to make an offer like that, there can't be too many restrictions.

I would like to see it where they had to buy generic, or couldn't buy candy, doughnuts, etc. I do remember, at some point in my life, seeing "WIC Approved" items. However, I don't know if food stamps fall under the same restrictions.

This guy wanted to do a 1:1... no deals here. However, I would never buy someone’s food stamp card at half the price. I would be too embarrassed to use the damn card, and I would feel like a thief if I did. A gift card is a different situation. People sell gift cards at discounts all the time - they didn't get that money free from the government.

About the welfare mom driving a lexus: it's funny, in college, we have had so many "lessons" on how this statement is untrue. It's amazing, I have no idea why they are trying to tell us our eyes deceive us, but they do. I see this all the time. Sure, there's large number of people that do not fall into this category, however, there are a fair number that do. Have a car in someone else’s name, and you can be on food stamps and have a Cadillac.

As far as that goes, I would like inspectors to go to their house, and if they have nice electronics or nice rims or whatever, they would be kicked off. My justification for taking away all the good things in life is simple. If you need government assistance, you need to be in a position that you can't have the good things in life. You need to be in a position that you want to get out of. Meaning, if you own a 50'' plasma, you need to sell it for food before you can get on food stamps.

Unfortunately, because of how our laws work this probably can't happen. They can keep the Lexus by simply explaining that it's in someone else’s name, so they could do the same with any other restrictions we offer.

it should be impossible for there to be a black market for food stamp cards. they should be restricted to the individual.

heiney9

Since I'm not involved in the program I have no idea. I think my friend has WIC assistance which could be different than straight food stamps. She has a job, etc......she gets assistance based on her income and because she is a single mom.

WilliamM2

heiney9 wrote: »

People on food stamps aren't allowed to buy anything they want :rolleyes: But it is ridiculous what they have to buy with the food stamps sometimes. I have a single mom friend of mine who gets assistance and she is always giving me some of surplus food as well as donating some of it to the local food pantry.

You sure that's food stamps? Here in MI, they can buy anything they want with food stamps, as long as it's food, no cigarettes or alcohol for instance. But they get other aid that doles out food as you listed above, state run.

disneyjoe7

It would seem to me if less people played this game like the OP then less people would try playing this game.

vstarkwell

cokewithvanilla wrote: »

Ok guys, I'm gonna go on a bit of a rant...so..

Anyhow, I was walking into the grocery store and someone approached me and said that he will buy my groceries with his food stamps if I pay him cash.

It's amazing, all you tax payers are paying for this guys drugs, alcohol, rims, tv's, ect. Why are they allowed to buy any food item they want with the card? shouldn't it be restricted so he can't be buying prime rib every night (for himself and others)?

I'm curious, at what point when you were walking into the grocery store did you notice him doing drugs and drinking alcohol?. Was he in his car, with the said rims & tv's, "ect"whatever ect is, doing the drugs and drinking alcohol? when he approached you?

I assume, based on your post, this happened awhile ago because I applaud your initiative for taking the time out of your evenings since then to monitor his shopping habits, following him to and around the grocery store to the meat department and observing him buying copious amounts of prime rib every night for himself and others.

cokewithvanilla

vstarkwell wrote: »

I'm curious, at what point when you were walking into the grocery store did you notice him doing drugs and drinking alcohol?. Was he in his car, with the said rims & tv's, "ect"whatever ect is, doing the drugs and drinking alcohol? when he approached you?

I assume, based on your post, this happened awhile ago because I applaud your initiative for taking the time out of your evenings since then to monitor his shopping habits, following him to and around the grocery store to the meat department and observing him buying copious amounts of prime rib every night for himself and others.

I'm sorry, the kindly poor individual must have been abusing government funds for a noble purpose. That is the only logical conclusion one can make, given the general characteristics of our society :rolleyes:

The idea of food stamps is so that they don't have to worry about feeding their family. This way, all the money can go to rent/utilities/gas. If you expect me to believe that this guy has not indulged in ANY way (buying anything that isn't a need), you must think I am a fool.

I had an internship over the summer at a warehouse, and I had a real learning experience about where people spend their money. I also ran into similar situations (the selling the foodstamp cards I was talking about) that I know where the money went. Can I be 100% certain that this money went to wants rather than needs? No.

edit: prime rib came from a prior experience in MI, as previously mentioned. Drugs/Alcohol/rims/Tvs came from a prior experience as well (they also represent "wants"). When using "this guy", I was simply using him to represent those who abuse the system, not stating that that dude in particular is doing this. Perhaps I should have said "people like this".

messiah

Just think, in a parallel universe he might be selling his drug stamps for cash to buy food. :eek:

vstarkwell

Messiah @ 8:24AM

"Hell yeah, free grub!!:biggrin:

"I actually had a girl in Borders come up to me and offered me her Borders gift card with over 600 bucks on it for 200 cash. I basically got 400 bucks worth of free books music and movies right there on the spot. She was happy and so was I."

messiah wrote: »

Yep, someone always will scam the system. I'd like to see a complete reworking of the system. No more of these "handouts for life".

Are you serious? I know you're quotes above was with regards to bobman1235's post about the lady in the Lexus but prior to that you just benefited (400 bucks worth of free books music and movies) from scamming.

messiah

vstarkwell wrote: »

Messiah @ 8:24AM

"Hell yeah, free grub!!:biggrin:

"I actually had a girl in Borders come up to me and offered me her Borders gift card with over 600 bucks on it for 200 cash. I basically got 400 bucks worth of free books music and movies right there on the spot. She was happy and so was I."




Are you serious? I know you're quotes above was with regards to bobman1235's post about the lady in the Lexus but prior to that you just benefited (400 bucks worth of free books music and movies) from scamming.

Scamming?, please re-read it. It wasn't food stamps, it was a BORDERS CARD that she OWNED, not a handout from the gooberment. :rolleyes:

vstarkwell

cokewithvanilla wrote: »

I'm sorry, the kindly poor individual must have been abusing government funds for a noble purpose. That is the only logical conclusion one can make, given the general characteristics of our society :rolleyes:

The idea of food stamps is so that they don't have to worry about feeding their family. This way, all the money can go to rent/utilities/gas. If you expect me to believe that this guy has not indulged in ANY way (buying anything that isn't a need), you must think I am a fool.

I had an internship over the summer at a warehouse, and I had a real learning experience about where people spend their money. I also ran into similar situations (the selling the foodstamp cards I was talking about) that I know where the money went. Can I be 100% certain that this money went to wants rather than needs? No.

edit: prime rib came from a prior experience in MI, as previously mentioned. Drugs/Alcohol/rims/Tvs came from a prior experience as well (they also represent "wants"). When using "this guy", I was simply using him to represent those who abuse the system, not stating that that dude in particular is doing this. Perhaps I should have said "people like this".

My bad, I would be interested in hearing more about this "prior experience" where you actually witnessed the purchase of Drugs/Alcohol/rims/Tvs from food stamp money.

Also how does "this guy" you ran into represent those who abuse the system?

vstarkwell

messiah wrote: »

Scamming?, please re-read it. It wasn't food stamps, it was a BORDERS CARD that she OWNED, not a handout from the gooberment. :rolleyes:

I'll clarify you are right about borders not being a Govt handout, but you got a $600 gift card for $200 and wound up with $400 worth of merchandise for free. Does that not seem like a scam to you? I know you didn't initiate it, as she approached you, but it's still taking advantage of a system

messiah

vstarkwell wrote: »

I'll clarify you are right about borders not being a Govt handout, but you got a $600 gift card for $200 and wound up with $400 worth of merchandise for free. Does that not seem like a scam to you? I know you didn't initiate it, as she approached you, but it's still taking advantage of a system

OK, I'll take the bait. Taking advantage of what system? The getting a good deal system, or the she sold me something she didn't need system?

Polkersince85

Here's my take on the matter:

Unlawful possession or use of food stamp benefits in an amount of $100 or more is a felony; less than $100 is a misdemeanor.

The US Department of Agriculture has defined trafficking as "the buying or selling" of food stamps "for cash or consideration other than eligible food."

If you suspect that someone is trafficking his/her Food Stamps, you may use the OIG Fraud Complaint Form at www.usda.gov, or call the USDA FRAUD HOTLINE at 1-800-332-6347

heiney9

vstarkwell wrote: »

I'll clarify you are right about borders not being a Govt handout, but you got a $600 gift card for $200 and wound up with $400 worth of merchandise for free. Does that not seem like a scam to you? I know you didn't initiate it, as she approached you, but it's still taking advantage of a system

Someone paid for the $600 dollar gift card, so no money was lost by anyone. In this case no one took advantage either. The seller of the card needed something different than the gift card and brokered a deal.

Please explain to everyone how this is a scam or taking advantage of WHAT system?

H9

WilliamM2

vstarkwell wrote: »

My bad, I would be interested in hearing more about this "prior experience" where you actually witnessed the purchase of Drugs/Alcohol/rims/Tvs from food stamp money.

Why so defensive? I'm sure that they are occasionally sold to purchase some other necessity. I'm sure you had your reasons as well, but it's still illegal.

TORI3

messiah wrote: »

OK, I'll take the bait. Taking advantage of what system? The getting a good deal system, or the she sold me something she didn't need system?

You're right. You probably didn't abuse a system.

I'm not here to judge as I wasn't there, but I think a lot of people are eluding to issues of principle and how they may have reacted if they were put in the same situation.

cokewithvanilla

vstarkwell wrote: »

My bad, I would be interested in hearing more about this "prior experience" where you actually witnessed the purchase of Drugs/Alcohol/rims/Tvs from food stamp money.


Also how does "this guy" you ran into represent those who abuse the system?

Ok. the janitor that worked at the warehouse where I was an intern used to sell his food stamp card to buy his: new tv, his pot and beer, and put half down on a set of rims.

Did I witness all of these transactions, as in, did I go with the guy to be sure? No... but next you're going to ask me to prove a horse is a horse. I witnessed him sell a card (not all of them, I don't follow the guy), and he just told us what he was doing/did with the money.

Hm.. like I said, perhaps I should have used "people like this" instead, but he did, in fact, abuse the system. I'm not gonna argue semantics. If you want to believe that selling food stamps is ok because he could be doing some thing "good" with the money (which begs the question, where did he spend his paycheck?), that's fine. If you want to be realistic, people are using the money as they would use excess income --- whether you believe it or not.

LitoZacky

He might have needed the cash for some emergency such as purchasing a pair of LSi15 at a very good deal on audiogon. If you think that is wrong then I don't know what is right anymore.

Rev. Hayes

It was YOU?!? :eek:

leroyjr1

cokewithvanilla wrote: »

Ok. the janitor that worked at the warehouse where I was an intern used to sell his food stamp card to buy his: new tv, his pot and beer, and put half down on a set of rims.

Did I witness all of these transactions, as in, did I go with the guy to be sure? No... but next you're going to ask me to prove a horse is a horse. I witnessed him sell a card (not all of them, I don't follow the guy), and he just told us what he was doing/did with the money.

Hm.. like I said, perhaps I should have used "people like this" instead, but he did, in fact, abuse the system. I'm not gonna argue semantics. If you want to believe that selling food stamps is ok because he could be doing some thing "good" with the money (which begs the question, where did he spend his paycheck?), that's fine. If you want to be realistic, people are using the money as they would use excess income --- whether you believe it or not.

Did you tell him how you didn't like him wasting tax payers hard earned money?

tonyb

I see this crap more than I care to admit. One part of my extended family, their parents,kids,uncles and aunts for 3 generations, in their own words,have been gameing the system and refuse to work. All have cars, cell phones, nails and hair done, the latest games, computers, name brand shoes, the works, and all have been on food stamps their entire life. Now, when someone says they are going to cut waste,fraud, and abuse, I know where they can start. But that won't happen will it?

I also have other friends who are not married but have been living together for over 10 years. He makes 6 figures, she cuts hair and keeps alot under the table, and they get food stamps because she's a single mom. Why get married and ruin that gig is what he'd say. Sometimes my wife and I look at each other and wonder why we work so hard.

TroyD

Jeff_J wrote: »

Same goes for those on the 'other side of the coin' then as well. There's no reason Billionaires should keep receiving their absurdly disproportionate Bush tax cuts every year so that they may splurge on quarter million dollar Patek watches, luxury yachts, Veyrons, and G5s.

Well, I'll chime in on this before it gets shut down....

First, this has NOTHING to do with the original premise of the thread.

Two...the Bush tax cuts. Dropped the top marginal rate from 39 to 35% (if memory serves).....and what of it? It's not the governments money to confiscate. I'm certainly not in that tax bracket but I harbor no resentment for those that are. Maybe it's not that the gov't needs people to pay more in taxes. Perhaps it's the gov't needs to spend less money and be better stewards of the money that they have. Another little factoid is that after the Bush tax cuts, the percentage of the tax burden that was paid by the top income earners actually went up. I'd also have to check, but, I'm pretty sure that the receipts to the Federal Treasury never went down.

I'm just sick to death of this whole class envy thing. I'd RATHER they spend thier money on boats and watches and all that. That creates jobs for other people. Soak the rich for more taxes...who loses? The guy building the boats and watches. Not the rich guy, really and certainly not the gov't.

As for the foodstamp thing....it is what it is. There is no way to eradicate fraud from a gov't program.

BDT

madmax

I want polk stamps.

AudioGenics

The same thing happened to me but it was maybe 27 years ago.

I was standing in line with my girlfriend at the register ready to pay and a person
approached and asked that he could pay for (if memory is correct)
a package of Milan cookies and maybe one more item with his food stamps
if I would pay for a pack of cigarettes for him.

We obliged only to learn later that you can't buy cigarettes with food stamps.
It did make me feel guilty for doing it.

Never have happened again but no one ever approached either again.

I've learned to say No .....much easier as time goes by.

j allen

Doesn't help that the system is broken. Just for instance, in order to get title 20 (daycare) assistance, you have to first get on food stamps. I've known people who didn't need food stamps, but were receiving them because they were required to accept them to get assistance with daycare so they could work.

steveinaz

Unfortunately, there's always gonna be the few abusers/idiots/soulless wonders that wreck it for truly needy (IMO, children, the elderly and disabled).

Why common-sense policies, and strict compliance/eligibility standards cannot be developed for these programs is beyond me.