Why no stipulations on food stamp purchases??

By JF
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 6:58 PM CDT

Why are food stamp recipients able to go buy candy , sodas, whatever at convenience stores where they mark up the cost 30% or so ???  I would also like to know why they can use them at specialty meat shops.   I have to pay attention to what brands I am buying,  but I see some of them just loaded up with the most expensive brands.....

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Comments

    hard worker wrote on Sep 12, 2009 8:31 PM:

    " i care about what people are buying using foodstamps because I am at work to feed my family hotdogs while you are able to buy lobsters with your foodstamps. It bothers me because my tax dollars are paying for you to eat well, while I have to work two jobs to support my household. Jobs are out there look for them and lower your standards. "

    Working Help wrote on Sep 3, 2009 7:38 PM:

    " I recently had to apply for food stamps, and until that time never had the courage to ask for help. I'm 23 years old and trying to support myself and my fiancee on an income of about 400 a month. My fiancee is in the army reserve and only gets about 100 or two for her weekend drills, but with rent and bills it is still hard to feed 2 people with 100 a month. Jobs are hard to find here and my hours got cut from 40 a week to 10 if i'm lucky. "

    Shatema wrote on Aug 30, 2009 1:17 PM:

    " Have anyone stopped to think about what some of these people have went thought. I will admitt that I am on them now but that's because when i was pregnant with my daugther I lost my job and had no income coming in. My daugther has just been born and i still haven't found a job so we still have no income coming in. I haven been working since i was 15 and untill now never once asked for help. So how am i wrong for asking for help now? "

    caseworker8 wrote on Aug 13, 2009 9:05 PM:

    " I can't understand why so people are upset about what other people are doing with their foodstamps. Why should any of you care what brands other people are buying. Do you watch what items are in everyones cart or just the people who LOOK like the have foodstamps. How do you know who is using a foodstamp card and who is using a debit, credit or giftcard. Thats the real question. Besides what does a food stamp recipient look like anyway. Worry about yourself. "

    paw wrote on Aug 11, 2009 10:12 PM:

    " food stamps should and can be used for whatever you WANT to eat. How do you know they've not paid into the system. But you know what THEY say about assuming. I don't have them but I don't begrudge the family that needs them. I am on a budget and every now and then I splurge that makes going to work easier for me. "

    Disgusted with SOME not ALL wrote on Aug 10, 2009 12:10 PM:

    " What disgusts me is that I was 18 years old living on my own paying my own bills, paying my own rent, without the help of anyone. The people who lived downstairs were outside every morning on the porch drinking their beer and cutting up from the time I left for work in the morning until the time I got off at night. They were all on welfare and food stamps and I, an 18 year old, paid for them to sit at home and drink their beer. While they were FULLY capable of working. THIS, is what disgusts me. "

    Kimbro aka Kim wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:44 AM:

    " I have to agree with neworleanscajun. When times get tough most of us know the importance of substituting our wants for our needs.It is a valuable lesson that many of us learned as children,but have forgotten to teach to our own kids. People complain about how America has changed for the worse.Part of the problem stems from people needing instant gratification.We no longer know how to wait and save for the wants.In fact,it is probably the main reason America is suffering now.As for rewarding children with food....bad idea. This concept has contributed to a lifetime of pain & obesity-for-young-and-old-alike. "

    neworleanscajun wrote on Aug 9, 2009 11:06 AM:

    " Paw, I don't want to upset your weak stomach and make you throw up again, but you're clueless. Food stamps should be used for essentials. If recipients want nonessentials or really expensive things, they can use money gotten from wages or welfare to buy them. If stamps are blown on luxuries, there will not be enough for basics later in the month...a novel concept called BUDGETING.

    "am I right" is the perfect example of someone for whom foodstamps are appropriate. He/she paid into the system and is temporarily in a slump...could happen to anybody.

    . "

    am i right wrote on Aug 8, 2009 7:57 PM:

    " I can understand what everyone on this board is saying about people on food stamps. Trust me I felt the same way until I lost my job and waiting on unemployment (which is going on 7 weeks and I am still getting the same letter saying my claim is pending) so it was either me and my children starve or get food stamps and I will use them for my family not sell them and I don't buy expensive meats I buy what we need. "

    paw wrote on Aug 8, 2009 6:34 PM:

    " I've noticed in your comments you continually say they just who are they--old, disabled, veterans that fought so you have the right to say what you're saying, an out of work parent- you don't know. who can shop for their groceries while watching what someone else is buying. Why does it concern you. Try talking to them about something of substance and you might learn something oh but that would mean being friendly not judgemental. Don't assume everyone is out to use or abuse the system "

    paw wrote on Aug 8, 2009 6:23 PM:

    " No, I don't nor have I ever received food stamps but whatever they buy is not your d*** business. Should their children not have candy, sodas or a steak sometimes because by some misfortune one or both parents lost a job, is absent from the home, is both deceased and they are being raised by a grandparent. Oh I forgot punish the straight A student that wants a treat because you can't afford it, such selfish, senseless hypocrites in New Iberia. I read some of your comments and had to stop to puke "

    Big Dave wrote on Aug 8, 2009 8:31 AM:

    " The United States has some of the most Unhealthy,Obese People on Welfare in the World.Recipicants should be limited to what they can purchase with the Money they receive.The working class gets to provide the means and also the care afterward.When does it all stop.They should all take Drug.Alcohol Tests and be made to work for the Money,instead of having a House full of Kids,and some more generations of Welfare Recipicants. "

    trying to make ends meet wrote on Aug 8, 2009 2:57 AM:

    " Also, when my husband lost his job (while I was 4mos pregnant) I started going to foodbanks before even considering getting food stamps. But after getting so many old boxes of pasta that had bugs in them (which then infested everything in my cabinets), I gave up on the foodbanks. My husband found another job 2mos later, but making less than half of what he was before. And unless we want to live in a shelter or under a bridge, we are stuck with a rent payment that takes most of our monthly income. "

    trying to make ends meet wrote on Aug 8, 2009 2:29 AM:

    " I agree that healthy food should be the bulk of what is purchased whether you use food stamps or any other form of payment. However, for someone to say that you should not be allowed to buy anything unhealthy while on food stamps is obsurd. Why not then limit what people can do with their disability or pension checks? It angers me when some people find out you are on food stamps, their response is get a job. I had two! And my tax dollars pay for these programs too. "

    neworleanscajun wrote on Aug 8, 2009 12:43 AM:

    " ObamaSupporter:
    You can't be uneducated enough to really believe that the government "subsidize(s) home ownership by way of mortgage deductions." In reality, the government just confiscates LESS of our money in taxes.

    You sound like someone who lives off of the hard work of others rather than paying your own way in life. If it weren't so offensive , it would be funny how you think your contribution to paying tax is using money earned by others to buy your cigarettes, booze, and lottery tickets.

    Yeah, I can see why you're an Obama supporter.... "

    bigjake wrote on Aug 7, 2009 11:14 PM:

    " Want to talk about welfare how about the farmers subsides every time something happens that is the biggest form of welfare there is.

    To the writer talking about aa slave state yes it is with lots of slave owner mentality "

    Iberia Resident wrote on Aug 7, 2009 12:53 PM:

    " To neworleans cajun, YES I AM PROUD "

    Iberia Resident wrote on Aug 7, 2009 12:52 PM:

    " To Thresa, don't get it twisted I work also i dont collect any welfare, so not just your tax dollars are being taken and yes I purchase what I please with my benefits, get a life and stop worrying about what others are puttin in their baskets. "

    neworleanscajun wrote on Aug 7, 2009 6:59 AM:

    " TO tryingtomakeendsmeet,
    Either you're not reading this thread, or you're not understanding the words that are there. Not one post is directed toward someone like you. No one is saying to eat cup-o-noodles or other unhealthy junk. Just the opposite is true. Why don't you scroll down and read just the two entires I posted on July 17? It is clear that there is no problem with people who legitimately need the assistance. It is also expressed that the stamps should be used for healthy food. Many others wrote similar comments. "

    trying to make ends meet wrote on Aug 7, 2009 2:28 AM:

    " It never seizes to amaze me how many people think that everyone on food stamps is either on drugs or unemployed by choice. Even more absurd is the opinion that those people should have to live on top ramen and cup-o-noodles. Applying for food stamps was the most humbling thing I have ever had to do. I treat it like it is my own money, use coupons, and shop for deals. Until you have walked a mile in my shoes.... "

    neworleanscajun wrote on Aug 6, 2009 7:57 PM:

    " Iberia Resident, you must be so proud....

    Theresa, I second your sentiment regarding our military and our veterans. Nothing is too good for our guys. "

    theresa wrote on Aug 6, 2009 12:38 PM:

    " to proud marine i could not agree with you more!!!and YOU should be able (as a vet) to go to any hospital in America and get FREE health care. you serve our country You should be served with the honor you have
    EARNED! "

    theresa wrote on Aug 6, 2009 12:29 PM:

    " to Iberia resident, my money pays for your food stamps so i should have a say in how MY MONEY is spent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

    Proud Marine wrote on Aug 6, 2009 9:07 AM:

    " I also think it is crap to allow persons on food stamps to buy specalty meats and candy and stuff.it is given to peole to help with cost of food not so you can buy high end foods with them that you wouldnt buy with your hard earned money. people that really need them cant get them and those that dont deserve it(moochers) abuse it.I just think it is rediculous that you can buy anything with them. it should be like WIC you get the food you need not want.

    If the shoe fits wear it "

    Obama Supporter wrote on Aug 5, 2009 4:26 PM:

    " It Outraged-Just cause your people were "too proud" to take assistance doesn't mean that the rest of us have to be. Want to talk about public assistance-how about all those home owners who are having the government subsidize their home ownership by way of the mortgage interest deduction.. And before you says I don't pay anything to the government-I buy lottery tickets every Wednesday and Saturday-at least $20 a week-and it adds up over the year-and let's not even talk about the taxes I pay on my cigarettes and alcohol.

    Don't get righteous with me sucka "

    my opinion wrote on Aug 5, 2009 1:06 PM:

    " I really enjoyed reading all of these differening opinions and I agree with several statements posted: anyone receiving food stamps or welfare benefits should be randomly drug screened; there should be pictures on the EBT cards to make sure they person they are issued to are using it; if the people who really need the help DO really need it then they wont mind having regular inspections of their purchases and they should have to keep receipts with their EBT code at the bottom of it to show what they purchased and when and where...if they really need it, thenwhynot? "

    Outraged wrote on Aug 5, 2009 7:07 AM:

    " My grandfather and father would never accept WELFARE!!!! They were raised in a different America!!! The America they were raised in was a SELF-SUFFICIENT & PROUD America!!! The POLITICIANS have CREATED a SLAVE STATE!!! The people who subsist on welfare are SLAVES to the system!!! The taxpayers who are FORCED to FUND the system are SLAVES!!! Helping truly needy people should be left to FAMILY and CHURCHES!!! Unfortunately the families are broken apart because of this system!!! They PAY you to have out of wedlock births,creating a large part of the problem!!!We have to DISMANTLE this system!!! "

    singlemotherof4 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 1:21 PM:

    " Thanks John Burton.And to assistance is a joke.I had my kids when i was not single and i had the money to feed them and now even with child support i cannot afford it all by my self with four. "

    John Burton wrote on Aug 3, 2009 11:04 PM:

    " To singlemotherof4,

    You don't understand. One person does not make a society. What these people are talking about is not the 10%, like you. They are talking about the 90% abusers that are born into welfare. These people are scammers of the government and will are taught to take anything they can get away with. They taint our communities. They don't have the ethics and morals that average, hard working people do. Yet, we continue to support their devious ways. Point being, it's a flawed system. "

    singlemotherof4 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 10:22 PM:

    " And i live out in the parish the stores available to me are quick stores or dollar stores that do mark up there prices cause they can but you decide am i suppose to burn less gas and money go to a store closer to me or burn gas to go all the way to this special store you want to build.Then you going to be fussing about all the gas i burn next.Hmmm cant win can we "

    assistant is a joke wrote on Aug 3, 2009 3:51 PM:

    " It is really a shame all the people living off
    the system and having baby after baby.
    I think when the taxpayers pay for you to have 2 babies then feed them for you,
    then WE should pay to have you sterlized.Whether you like it or not! I know
    you can't believe it but the hard working
    taypayers will tell you it would be a lot cheaper for the government.
    Maybe then it could help the elderly that are losing homes because they can't pay the taxes.Some can't buy the meds they need. Do you care? Not "

    singlemotherof4 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 12:38 PM:

    " Oh yea and by the way.I am not obese i weigh 106 pounds and none of my children are overweight either and i am not on drugs and i work hard for what my kids and i do have and if i decide i want to treat my children out every once in awhile i will.Not everyone on foodstamps is abusing it.Some of us have no family to turn to for help either.Grow up and be professional by doing something to help these people instead of being unprofessional and complaining and being rude to some people who dont deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!! "

    singlemotherof4 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 12:34 PM:

    " All of you are unprofessional to be sitting here and discussing things like this.Grow up and try to help people you see in need instead of coming online and complaining abou tit.Why don't next time you see someone using foodstamps offer them a job can you do that .Prolly not.Some people on foodstamps have worked there behinds off and paid there taxes i guess you want to cut them of there foodstamps too like our verterns and elderly who do need them and single mom's who didnt expect to be where they are today alone and struggling by themselves. "

    Iberia Resident wrote on Aug 2, 2009 10:27 PM:

    " To new orleans cajun, I will purchase whatever i please with my food stamps if you dont like then so what. "

    to ObamaSupporter wrote on Jul 31, 2009 11:36 AM:

    " When you make the choice to go on any type of government assistance, you inherently give up the right to decide; so yes, you should be told what you can buy, where you can go, how many kids you can have, be subjected to drug screens, etc. If you don't like it, don't take the welfare. Get a job and end the cycle of generations of welfare and entitlements. Being self sufficient is what made this country great, not Socialism or womb to tomb benefits. "

    To Obama Supporter.. wrote on Jul 31, 2009 8:11 AM:

    " Are you using Obama's name in vain? The comment you posted looks made up to me.. "

    Obama Supporter wrote on Jul 30, 2009 9:30 PM:

    " SO yoiu are telling me what I can buy with my food stamp card??? Next thing i suppose you are going to tell me how many children I can have. It's none of you're busness what I buy with MY foodstamp card. Do you want me to quit smoking also? All you people want to do is tell us how to live-just wait-change is comming "

    drawitgirl wrote on Jul 30, 2009 4:25 PM:

    " I was recently laid off from a $65,000 job. I am a single parent with 1 child at home and 1 in college. The child in college does not qualify for financial aid since I made too much money. In March, I applied for food stamps and qualified for $133 monthly. I recently had $25 added to my unemployment because of the stimulus package. My food stamps has been reduced to $24 monthly because my unemployment income is above the poverty guideline. I now have to use stimulus unemployment to pay for food. "

    ssl wrote on Jul 30, 2009 2:43 PM:

    " I was shopping one day and was waiting in line behind a person paying his groceries with Food Stamps. He had dog food among his items. When he was told the dog food was not covered by food stamps, he put the dog food back and went and got a few huge roasts from the meat department to feed his dogs instead. "

    sadly unemployed wrote on Jul 30, 2009 2:42 PM:

    " people... have any of you heard about the bad economy ? It is NO lie ! Lighten UP and give those that are less fortunate than you a BREAK ! I promise... it does not cover all the food needed to feed a family for a month. I pray for you all and hope you never HAVE to get food stamps. THEN you would understand. "

    YEP wrote on Jul 30, 2009 11:39 AM:

    " I want to know how is it that people that don't even try to get out there and get a job can be on foodstamps. There are some of us that are single moms who work very hard and need that help but are unable to get it. Save the foodstamps for the people that are trying but need. Save it for the people that are getting laid off. Don't save if for the people that don't even try. "

    neworleanscajun wrote on Jul 30, 2009 7:05 AM:

    " Let's try to break it down once again. Foodstamps are supposed to be for ESSENTIALS to assist those who are temporarily down on their luck or disabled and otherwise could not afford food. Chips and candy are expensive and have NO NUTRITIONAL VALUE. They are LUXURIES. If you can afford luxuries, you should be able to buy your own food. Many workers paying for the foodstamps cannot afford luxuries. Some people who get food stamps eat better than the those who pay for them. If you want extras, use your own money. "

    Iberia Resident wrote on Jul 29, 2009 8:24 PM:

    " I understand both views of this problem but i must say what a person choose to purchase with their benefits is their business, I am a single mother of 2, I work full time and attend college full time and yes I recieve food stamps benefits. I have always worked and due to their dad being a dead beat owing me over 20,000 in child support I do need a little help from the system and if my kids want chips and candy then why not treat them. "

    TO LAF wrote on Jul 29, 2009 3:28 PM:

    " I would rather have someone going to school than staying home doing nothing and getting them. You noticed the price of fresh fruit? Canteloupes are 2/5.00 Not to mention tomatoes, Fresh broccoli, and gallon of milk. Besides, Region 5 (iberia)has the 2nd lowest Food stp application rejection rate. So more people than think are getting the card. Someones certifying these cases "

    SSS wrote on Jul 29, 2009 2:40 PM:

    " I think that the La. Government should buy some old stores like the old Walmarts and use them to sell only food stamp items. If you are on food stamps then you are not buying any extra ordinary items like ribeyes. I also think that they should sell like non-brand foods there. Food stamps are for people to get back on their feet and not to live on generation to generation. They should also have to be drug teated to recieve them like I do to keep my job but obviously that would never happen with all the do gooders. "

    John Burton wrote on Jul 29, 2009 1:12 PM:

    " These people scam the system. That is what they're taught from birth,.. how to cheat our system. I know a third grade teacher who told me she heard her student say, "I don't need to come to school, I want to just get old enough to have a baby so I can get a check". This is Gods Honest Truth. It is the culture. We are raising another generation to depend on the system. When will it end?? "

    Laf. wrote on Jul 29, 2009 10:56 AM:

    " No Ma'am, I do not lack professionalism, manners or respect. I possess all and then some. I would define someone lacking in these qualities as someone that abuses the system that was designed to help those truly in need. I still don't understand why you feel you need this assistance when you are also allowing yourself some things that most people would consider a luxury, as in getting your hair and nails done. Very unprofessional, in my opinion, but you justify it in whichever way it makes you feel better. "

    To Laf... wrote on Jul 29, 2009 12:00 AM:

    " We can go back and fourth all day, But Why?..I've never known professionalism to be defind by income, but more of how the person carries themself, especially in a professional setting. Scroll back and look at some of the inappropriate and abrasive comments you've made..You ma'am lack professionalism, manners, and respect. I'm prior military(USAF) and employed now..I've paid taxes, still paying taxes, and contributed to my country. While SOME recepients abuse the system..There are some,like myself, that are responsible with food purchases and ocassionally, yes I will purchase a ribeye! Got a problem call OFS!!!! "

    Felton Carmouche wrote on Jul 28, 2009 7:23 PM:

    " I literally had a guy in front of my with his wife using a Louisiana Purchase card at Albertson's. They had loads of steak and premium name brand items then paid CASH for a case of Red Bull and 2 cases of Beer along with a carton of cig's. Then to top it off I get outside in the parking lot and they are loading up the free groceries in a brand new 2009 Toyota 4-runner. Truly unreal, and Obama will have them all setup even better soon. "

    To theresa wrote on Jul 28, 2009 6:03 PM:

    " Apparently you did well and it was done for the right reason. Thank-you for sharing. I know people that, just like you, needed a helping hand in a troubled situation and were turned down for no good reason. I pulled groceries from my cupboard, and made some phone calls to different individuals as well as help groups to help this family. Without our help, she would have bought food with rent money (which she only had half) to wind up in the street. Because they owned their cars they said 'NO'...They_just_needed_help_till_the_husbands_job_started_to_pay_off__3_months...so...sad. "

    m66m6 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 1:32 PM:

    " To all you complainers do as I did REPORT the CRIMINALS and have them pay it back. It's very easy. Pick up the phone and call the local office. A surprise visit will be made at an unexpected time and catch them they can check out what they are purchasing and where that card is swiped. Do the right thing. I am a full time employee and am very TIRED of paying my taxes to these lazy good for nothing people to get it free. REPORT THEM I did "

    theresa wrote on Jul 28, 2009 1:05 PM:

    " do to health reasons our family, my husband, our 7children i needed help with food stamps . we did not abuse the blessing! we did not by precooked foods(pizza,cookies, candy, pies, chips, cold drinks etc.)every thing was made from fresh ,pancakes, biscuits,waffles, oatmeal(no instant or boxed foods) etc. we used fresh veggs and fruits our children were to busy helping in the kitchen to run the roads to get in trouble !
    our stamps always made it for the month. our 7 children are grown they all have good jobs,and have not needed food stamps! "

    I like my foodstamps wrote on Jul 28, 2009 12:44 PM:

    " This started over someone buying a pepper plant perhaps to plant, so they no longer have to spend the stamps on peppers?..... Next the idea of taking more tax payers money to drug test everyone who gets assistance? From there where do we go more jails from taxes? More AA and NA groups? Some people get chips and t-bones with stamps. Don't you buy these things? NewOrleansCajun is right it is the miss use of a thing that is wrong... why not talk about the miss use to "ALL" with the over priced cost of living. "

    Laf. wrote on Jul 28, 2009 10:16 AM:

    " And another thing to Miss Self-Proclaimed Professional Woman with the Hair & Nails, maybe you should check with that night school you are attending and inquire as to whether they offer a course in "budgeting". BUDGET, something you obviously know nothing about. With a little restraint and bugeting advice you might actually be able to get off of the government assistance and become that "professional" woman you so want to be. Because I truly do not know of any professional women collecting food stamps, honey. "

    Outraged wrote on Jul 28, 2009 8:14 AM:

    " Food stamp cards should be limited to the purchase of BASIC FOOD STAPLES!!!! RICE,GRITS,DRIED BEANS,POWERED MILK, POWDERED EGGS,PASTA,and other BASIC FOODS!!! You could purchase plenty food for a lot less money and eliminate all the ABUSE!!! "

    Laf. wrote on Jul 28, 2009 7:57 AM:

    " Too Laf - you keep collecting them stamps, girl and if it makes you feel good, do it!!! That's the problem with the world today, too many people looking out for only themselves and what they can get from the government. It's not free, you know! Of-course, what do you care, you don't have to pay for it. This world is just full of lazy, good for nothing people. Birds of a feather and all that. "

    Surprised to know.. wrote on Jul 27, 2009 10:53 PM:

    " The question is not why are these people buying crawfish with the card, but, why are these business accepting the card for "cooled" crawfish? And if her boyfriend is unemployed and living with her AND on her food stamp application it is not against the law. Im all for drug testing recepients..but let's not stop there.. ALL employers should conduct random drug testing, not just when hired!..You'd be surprised of the "undercover" pot and coke heads working next to you. Hopefully, your safety won't depend on them.. "

    sadly unemployed wrote on Jul 27, 2009 3:26 PM:

    " Being laid off and finding it necessary, I recieve food stamps... I did not realize - I can go in the grocery and buy the day old cold fried chicken but I canNOT buy the fresh hot fried chicken because I have food stamps. Price is the same - 4.99 for 8 pieces. Wouldn't even buy if it weren't the same or LESS than the cost of a chicken. There ARE stipulations AND it does NOT cover my cost of food for the month, so don't BEGRUDGE if they treat themselves once in a while ! "

    Too Laf.. wrote on Jul 27, 2009 1:32 PM:

    " You sound bitter and a bit unrealistic! Just because you work..doesn't always mean you are able to meet all of your household expenses .I am a divorced woman that works fulltime, attend school at nite and I will not let you or anyone else make me feel as I am doing something illegal by getting food stamps. I will look as decent as every other woman I work with.. you got a problem..TOO BAD! Are the working people who receive the medical card for there kids are next...GET A LIFE!!! "

    me wrote on Jul 27, 2009 1:30 PM:

    " Why are these people buying boiled seafood with these stamps and we have to pay cash. And they have their boyfriends living with them and not telling. So they can get more stamps, I work with someone and all she does is buy boiled seafood with hers, and has her boyfriend living with her and working and these people don't know. I thought that was against the law. "

    clear thinking wrote on Jul 27, 2009 11:17 AM:

    " I am all for helping the less fortunate in our society through government programs, but I feel there should be more restrictions. I feel that in order to receive benefits, recipients should have to pass a drug and alcohol screening and be actively seeking employment. I also feel that the food stamp card should have a picture of the recipient on it so that they are the only ones that can use it. "

    Not By Choice wrote on Jul 27, 2009 11:01 AM:

    " Well, if it was just about the food stamps, it would be one thing! But let's look at the overall big picture here! They use our tax dollars to get welfare, food stamps, housing, and then most likely work one week out of the year so they can take more of our tax dollars to receive a Earned Income Credit for their tax return. Money they don deserve. Meanwhile, after paying $20,000 in federal taxes in 2008, we still had to pay Uncle Sam an additional $1000 for these "MORONS" to live! Go figure!!! Frustrates me!!! "

    Laf. wrote on Jul 27, 2009 8:01 AM:

    " To bad understanding... I couldn't care less where you work and how professional you think you are - the point is, why are you collecting food stamps if you are working? If your salary doesn't cover the cost of living, maybe your cost of living is too high. You think????? "

    Robert wrote on Jul 25, 2009 9:23 PM:

    " Who is anyone to judge what oters purchase? I was laid off after 12 years and I now receive food stamps. Should my family do without because of that? I can remember in two weeks, I was paying more in taxes then most people were making per month and now that I need, some AS- doesn't like it! Some people abuse the system and some really need. Maybe you could ask why and the ones that need won't be ashamed to tell you. "

    To bad undertanding..Laf wrote on Jul 25, 2009 12:44 AM:

    " To Laf..You really must have bad understanding.. I work in a professional building...with other professional women..Would it make you feel better if i were to go into work looking less than a professional woman. Is that what your saying..Because AT THIS TIME.. I am collecting food stamps..I'll wait for your response before rendering a comment... "

    L wrote on Jul 24, 2009 6:03 PM:

    " TO OUTRAGED STOP clowning, you didn't say that last night about my post.SO how could it be WILLIE OR NED.STOP clowning boy.I'M tickled pink, and I bet you're still smiling huh! "

    Outraged wrote on Jul 24, 2009 10:05 AM:

    " To L: I bet your husband is either WILLIE or NED!!! "

    Working and Proud of it wrote on Jul 24, 2009 9:10 AM:

    " Is this really about the government or about the obesity of people. Those who really need it, can't get it and those who are getting it don't really need it. But who are we to judge. The good suffers for the bad. But that is the time we live in. "

    Laf. wrote on Jul 24, 2009 7:59 AM:

    " To Ms. "L". I understand plenty! You want something for nothing! Yeah, I thought so. "

    Laf. wrote on Jul 24, 2009 7:58 AM:

    " To: I have a question - you work / attend night school and work extra shifts to get your hair and nails done? Then why are you collecting food stamps? If you don't make enough in your job and working extra shifts to buy food and require the assistance of food stamps, then I do have a problem with your hair and nails. Maybe that is a luxury you should do without, esp. considering my tax dollars are paying for it. "

    I have a Question wrote on Jul 23, 2009 5:39 PM:

    " What does getting my hair done have to do with needing
    foodstamps? .Assistance is there to "assist" those in need. No different than other gov't programs..Closing cost assistance, etc. I pay quite a bit to insure my kids, should I get mad at every person on Medicare cause I have to pay. I work/attend nite classes & every two weeks I get my hair and nails done by working extra shifts and very strict budgeting. Every woman should have that luxury. Stop whining, stop ASSUMING, stop judging and stay outta my basket! "

    L wrote on Jul 23, 2009 5:05 PM:

    " TO LAF WHAT'S understood don't need to be explained.OH! you do understand. "

    Outraged wrote on Jul 23, 2009 10:24 AM:

    " To: Laf She's speaking Ubonics!!! For her to understand, YALL GOTTA stop worrin ourselve's bout other folk an mind you own business!!! "

    outraged wrote on Jul 23, 2009 8:48 AM:

    " I was behind a lady in a grocery store and when she was told she couldn't buy dog food, she told her daughter to go put it back and get a roast, that she would cook that for her dog. "

    Laf. wrote on Jul 23, 2009 7:37 AM:

    " Ms. L - I can't understand a word you have just posted. Speak English, please! "

    Outraged wrote on Jul 23, 2009 7:23 AM:

    " To L: YALL better watch out all dem T-BONE STEAKS you been fillin your FREEZER with!Might lead to HEART DISEASE!!! I'm not JEALOUSE of anyone! I'm disgusted with the SYSTEM that PROMOTES OBESITY and pays for it with TAXPAYERS MONEY! And later these people end up at the EMERGENCY ROOM and leave the BILL for,you guessed it! THE TAXPAYER!!! Go discuss this at your BEAUTY SHOP! "

    L wrote on Jul 22, 2009 8:01 PM:

    " TO LAF for your info I don't get stamp's.I work and so does my husband but we don't worry ourselve's about who get what kind of benefit's from the state.YALL complain because yall would like some stamp's. YALL are JEALOUSE because yall can't fill yall ICE BOX AND FREEZER up with the good stuff.NO T-BONE STEAK'S FOR YALL.THE ons's that talk about them selling them are the one's buying them,like you neworleans cajun and your one of them that pay for their hair style.THEYdon't have to driveahoopty cajunator just because they get stamp's.neworleans cajun thank's for the hairdo. lolololololololololololololololololol. "

    neworleanscajun wrote on Jul 22, 2009 7:23 PM:

    " Back in the Day is on to something. If healthful commodities such as I mentioned in an earlier post were distributed to those deemed to be in need, it seems to me that it would cut down on the fraud perpetrated by the percentage of recipients who are scam artists. It DEFINITELY would cut down on obesity and diabetes, thus reducing the cost to the taxpayer of preventable health problems that are the result of poor eating habits such as soft drinks, chips, fried and processed foods. "

    back in the day wrote on Jul 22, 2009 3:46 PM:

    " Why doesn't the goverment go back to giving commodities likie it did in the 60's?
    Our so called daddy walked away,mom was so beaten down teeth knocked out etc. no one would give her a job; we didn't have a choice we were given cheese,powder milk,yellow grits,plain flour and cornmeal, powder eggs and the meat was in a can. I think we may have gotten peanut butter and lard. My mom learned to feed her children with this. It can be done. We all grew to be healthy adult workers. By the way there was no WIC to help out. "

    Cajunator wrote on Jul 22, 2009 1:10 PM:

    " All I’m asking for is some accountability. If small businesses and individuals are forced by the IRS to keep receipts and account for every penny of their deductible expenses, then why in the world is it beyond reason to require people who receive government assistance to be limited by the government when it comes to the purchase of items necessary for nutrition? I don’t get it,the government bans trans fats but promotes obesity among the poor? It reveals the true intent! Votes!votes!votes! "

    Cajunator wrote on Jul 22, 2009 1:07 PM:

    " To : Just me... The reason it's my business is because my tax dollars pay for it! At my local grocery store,I watch at least 80 percent of people pay with food stamps. I would venture to say that of that 80 percent, 90 percent are excessively obese. So why is this entitlement program based on the notion that they are going hungry? And if they supposedly can't earn enough money to feed themselves, why do most of them walk out of the grocery store and drive off in luxury vehicles that I can't even afford to own? "

    Chell wrote on Jul 22, 2009 1:02 PM:

    " Not everyone can get cash off of their cards only those receiving cash assistance can do that. Also, please keep in mind that there are people that use their dollars wisely and don't want to be using the system at all but have their circumstances. Ones that abuse it were raised to abuse it and the only way to change it, is to revamp the system. Making it mandatory for drug screenings, volunteer work/community service, and job searches would be ways to EARN the monthly stipend. Talk to your reps people healthcare isn't the only change needed! "

    Laf. wrote on Jul 22, 2009 12:34 PM:

    " Sounds like Ms. "L" sure knows how to work the system, baby. You keep cheating the govt. and the hard-working people Ms. L and see how fast them gates to Heaven open up for you, when it's your time, of-course. In the meantime, you keep defending the crooks and thieves and living high off the hog. You're crazy attitude and view of things is WRONG! "

    franklinite wrote on Jul 22, 2009 6:19 AM:

    " the biggest problem is with these people selling the cards for 50 cent on the dollar to get cash.go try it,they WILL sell.all i can say is only in LOUISIANA!!!! "

    just me wrote on Jul 21, 2009 8:54 PM:

    " you all need to get off the foodstamp recepiants. If a person wants to buy a piece of candy or a bag of chips or even a soda for their child, what business is it of yours. I think you are all being pety and have nothing better to do than complain, if you want to gripe than find something that you can actually do something about. "

    surprised to know... wrote on Jul 20, 2009 6:07 PM:

    " Come on now..This is the American way..isn't it! The recepients aren't the only ones to benefit. Benefits are given the 1-10th of each month. The stores mark up there prices like crazy. Notice the sales paper from 1st-10th of the month then the rest of the month. There are business In New Iberia NOW that accept the Food Stp card for cigarettes, beer,and crawfish. And lets get the record stright..It's not a racial issues either its a ecomonic issue. "

    avid reader wrote on Jul 20, 2009 4:32 PM:

    " Sounds like pure jealousy to me! "

    Outraged wrote on Jul 20, 2009 12:23 PM:

    " Every HONEST person would have to agree,if 90% of the taxpayers money that is spent on goverment aid to people was spent on truly needy people there would be NO PROBLEM!!! AS a matter of fact there would be a HUGE SURPLUS!!! The apathetic voters are to blame for this!!! "

    neworleanscajun wrote on Jul 20, 2009 6:48 AM:

    " Amen, Entertained. "

    Entertained wrote on Jul 19, 2009 2:05 AM:

    " I lot of this bickering would come to a screeching halt, if only drug testing to recieve tax payer dollars were implemented. Millions would be saved and could be spent to pay a decent salary to our real hero's ( soldiers who fight and die for our rights, cops, fire fighters, and educators.) They'd probable be enough saved to fix the health care system. Then, just maybe, the loafers would get off their tush and work like the rest of us. "

    L wrote on Jul 18, 2009 7:14 PM:

    " FIRST OF ALL NEWORLEANSCAJUN I have a job and my husband have one too,and I thank GOD for our job's.IF you don't want to pay stop working and see where that get's you.PEOPLE that get foodstamp's need them.THANK GOD that you are not in their situtation to where you would need stamp's.YALL complain about everything under the sun,what's next? "

    neworleanscajun wrote on Jul 17, 2009 7:09 PM:

    " L and 'Okay People,' most of us are hard working taxpayers. The government is taking our money and giving it to people in the form of foodstamps.

    None of us have problems with food stamps properly used by those in need. All of us seem to have problems with food stamps given to those who don't need them or misuse them. What don't you understand? Let's reverse roles. If either of you had a job, but I didn't, would you want me to use your money to have my hair done? "

    neworleans cajun wrote on Jul 17, 2009 6:55 PM:

    " I DO have a problem with people using food stamps for expensive items that most taxpayers can't afford. If the recipients run out of stamps early in the month, they obviously must have the means to get groceries for the remainer of the month. Therefore, I question if they really need the assistance at all. I believe that the stamps should be only for basics: baby food, milk, eggs, staples, chicken, fruit, vegetables, less expensive cuts of meat, fruit juice, etc. Redeeming the card for cash is nothing short of obscene. "

    fed up wrote on Jul 17, 2009 5:07 PM:

    " Those of you who say "stay out of others' shopping carts" have your nerve. I am paying for what is in their shopping carts through taxes, so I have every right to see what they have because I am paying for it. It is this attitude that caused the recession in the first place. Why work when you can get it for free? Government control of something such as food stamps has cause laziness. People abuse this system that was designed to be used for only a short period of time by the most needy. "

    L wrote on Jul 17, 2009 4:03 PM:

    " TO amazed stay out of those people's business.YOU reported it, it didn't do any good.IF the government would write yall letter's telling yall that yall would be getting foodstamp's that don't have to be paid back because of the recession yall wouldn't complain. YALL wouldn't complain then yall would be to happy to spend those stamp's.SO mind yall's business. "

    amazed wrote on Jul 17, 2009 2:53 PM:

    " I to have made a call to the fraud department about someone I know for a fact is buying food for people and receiving cash for the purchase so that she can buy clothes and get her nails done. When I reported it I was told that I had not given a good enough reason for them to investigate this person. So the government is aware of what is going on. But so many people are doing it, it's better left alone. Thats all I can say. "

    fed up wrote on Jul 17, 2009 1:21 PM:

    " If you are not on drugs and need food stamps, then I am all for it. I have never gotten food stamps even after a hurricane. Thank God I am fortunate enough to not need them. I have no problem with those that need them, but I still think they should be tested for drugs. I am employed and am subject to random drug testing so why should someone collect money through the government and notbe subjected to the same. If they have nothing to hide, why put up an arguement about it. "

    iT Happens wrote on Jul 17, 2009 9:12 AM:

    " I understand the frustration, just last week I was waiting at the checkout line. Two women were unloading TWO carts full of fruits, fruit juices melons and other items. Given the quantities they were purchasing this was obviously for some sort of celebration. This was confirmed by the conversation these women were having with the cashier. Seems these items were for a fruit punch they were making for a wedding reception. The total came close to $200.00. One of the women whipped out a Louisiana Purchase card and paid for the items. "

    Okay People wrote on Jul 17, 2009 12:05 AM:

    " Can you please get out of these people's shopping cart. Why are watching these people like that. Mind you business. I know for a fact you would not want to get into an altercation with these people. They will tell you off and then dare you to answer them back. Don't try them they will beat you down. I saw this behavior first hand. Mind your business and by your Superbrand products. "

    To Seen It All wrote on Jul 16, 2009 11:37 PM:

    " Not so, I watched a reality show that was done somewhere in Europe where the family filed a complaint to the government for more food stamps, or what ever they used for free food. The complaint was that the government caused their obesity and large appetite therefore should be made to issue more stamps to feed their greed. I didn’t watch to find out if they got it. "

    To Seen It All wrote on Jul 16, 2009 6:02 PM:

    " Yes indeed, America is the only country in the world with FAT poor people. "

    L wrote on Jul 16, 2009 5:46 PM:

    " NOT everybody that get foodstamp's are on drug's yall people are a trip.WHAT is wrong with yall? STOP judging people circumstance's when you don't know what's going on.IF yall want foodstamp's quit your job's and go apply simple as that. TELL you the truth people with small kid's need to get foodstamp's high like food is today. AND no I don't get foodstamp's my husband and I both work.YOU'LL be happy after a hurricane hit and you may get some.YOU'LL be in line,but you want talk about that. "

    L wrote on Jul 16, 2009 5:37 PM:

    " THEY get the welfare on the card also they don't get cash for foodstamp's duh! "

    fed up wrote on Jul 16, 2009 4:42 PM:

    " I think if you receive any money from the government, that you have not earned through a job, you should be subjected to drug testing. If you fail the test, you should be required to pay for the test. I know this is crazy because they would find a way around it just as they do everything else. They know how to work the system. "

    Preplexid wrote on Jul 16, 2009 3:58 PM:

    " I have been a supporter of food stamps for years. My mechanic, barber, yard maintenance man and hair stylist all accept them.

    Why won’t the casinos accept them? This is obvious discrimination against us poor people. "

    Whats wrong with this picture wrote on Jul 16, 2009 2:17 PM:

    " You obviously don't understand. They load these baskets to overflowing. They don't all get the same amount. Some are extremely over stamped per individual. They don't buy expensive and go hungry later on. They're living 'high' off of the fat of the cow or hog that is provided by 'our' tax dollars. They lie and cheat the system quite well and nobody in this office uses a check-and-balance to locate fraud, miss-use of benefits and they certainly don't do drug screens because they have ways around that too. It's a crying shame but they get away with it. "

    To me wrote on Jul 16, 2009 1:34 PM:

    " Are you serious?? They can get cash back off of this card that is supposed to be for food stamps??????? I am outraged by this! Another reason why this GOVERNMENT ENTITLEMENT needs to be revamped. No wonder these women keep having baby after baby, for more money. No accountability now if they can get cash back and use on anything they want....including drugs! "

    Seen It All wrote on Jul 16, 2009 12:16 PM:

    " Only in America can the leading cause of death for people in Poverty be OBESITY! "

    Seen It All wrote on Jul 16, 2009 12:13 PM:

    " Have you noticed how many of the people who purchase food with a food stamp card also need a Electric cart to get around in to purchase things like frozen pizzas,potato chips,t.v. dinners,besides their red meats! And notice when the go to their car it's parked in the Handicapped Zone! "

    me wrote on Jul 16, 2009 9:46 AM:

    " My problem is not what they buy. I have a real problem though when I am in line at Super One and the girl in front of me asks the cashier for $100.00 off of her card in cash and recieves it. Then to listen to the girl tell the cashier she is going get her hair done and going out to the club tonight. So I called and was told by the State office that they can get cash back so they can pay their utility bills because CLECO does not take the card. Force utilities to take/the/card/please/and/end/the/cash train "

    Sam I Am From Alabam wrote on Jul 15, 2009 11:09 PM:

    " I have a serious problem with able bodied lowlifes receiving welfare and food stamps. But when it comes to what they buy with food stamps, they get X dollars, and X dollars only. So if someone buys Ribeyes and caviar, and the other person is buying baloney and peanut butter, the one buying ribeyes can buy very little. We are out the same amount of money regardless what they buy. Think of the massive burden you would be placing on the stores if they had to be the "food police." "

    Whats wrong with this picture wrote on Jul 15, 2009 11:03 PM:

    " It's always been that way. Like you, I have to watch where every penny goes, pick and choose brands carefully as to get the most value for my money, putting in painstaking hours of considerations into each purchase to be a good Stuart of our money. Then I watch as they have loaded baskets of fresh cut red meat and other baskets loaded with other goodies that hard working people can't afford, paying for it all with stamps. Turns my stomach. They haven't worked for any of it and look mighty healthy and capable to me. "

    wiseone wrote on Jul 15, 2009 9:36 PM:

    " If they receive X amount on money per month, and spend it on ribeye steaks and other expensive items, then they will run out early in the month. Weather they spend wisely or not, it cost the same to the government (us). "

    ghm wrote on Jul 15, 2009 7:21 PM:

    " There was a purchase made with a food stamp card at Walmart & the card paid for a plant in garden center ( a pepper plant ), I guess it is considered a food. "

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