Should people really judge someone just because they are on foodstamps?

judgement is one of the things I wish I could stop. I am afraid most of judge something. should we no never if we could learn to worry more about what we are doing ourselves and less about what others are doing it would be a better world. There is another side to the food stamp issue My husband used to be a grocery saker when we were first married and in college when had two small children and not much extra money but we did alright we went hungry but some time when he had to put groceries into a brand new truck that cost as much or more than our house and the groceries were purchased with food stamp that we paid for through our taxes that some times was hard to take and jelousy and judgement did rear its ugly head. for that we were always alittle sorry for being too human

I think that people need to mind their own darn business, and get of the backs of the poor, that is discrimination,,admittedly some poor people do not know who to cook from scratch and have difficulties, buying food, and I honestly believe it would be to the governments advantage to assist low income with all the tips and help, not to encourage them to remain on low income but to understand there are ways to help your self. I can not imagine any one person waking up and saying I am so happy I am low income., yes we are grateful for the help, but given the choice we would take bettering our selves. as for the people that buy shrimp and birthday cakes, some one in that family is going to go hungry at the end of the month. but to have a birthday cake is fine if you get a mix and bake it I think that is wonderful and practical. I am on very low income and am fortunate enough to have training in cooking and have volunteered to give any help at food banks and low income groups.We help out where we can and never need to be ashamed of out selves.

Foodstamps is all based on income. I believe the person on foodstamps should be able to buy whatever she/he pleases. Even a birthday cake! It's nobodys choice to make, but the person on the program. If the welfare system had problems with them buying birthday cakes or shrimp, then there would be a restriction on those items. It's really not a big deal how the person on the program is buying her/his food or what she/he is buying because they have a limit and if they want to stretch food for the full month, then it's their business how they shop. Or if they run out before the month is over, that again, is their own problem. It's a set income, so it doesn't matter. Why do people have to be so bothered with what the families on foodstamps are buying? Get a life, you know? Good post!

New hampshire is one of the states that went to the EBT cars system, an all in one benifites card designed to look like a credit or bank card, that took some of the issues away here. I have been there, done that, it wasn't a fun time at all and I sympathize. Back before the card days though, I remember standing in line and tearing those coupons out of the books and not even glancing behind me, my eyes only on the cashier. I just basicaly ignored anyone behind me and made my way quickly out of the store, didn't really pay much mind to anyone else. It took a while before I would even go to the store with them though.

Those people saying that have obviously never recieved food stamp benefits! If they had they would know that buying birthday cakes and shrimp would probably be the only thing that they would be able to buy for the whole month! Not sure what people think they are getting, its definately not enough to feed your family on. There was a time in my past that I recieved food stamps and I was getting $50 a month to spend on food. I wasnt working because I was awaiting back surgery and since I had no children and was over 18 and under 65 with no disabilities that was the only assistance they could give me. My job, which I couldnt insurance for had kindly put me on laid off status so I could keep my job until I had the surgery. I really felt betrayed because it wasnt like I had not been working and contributing to the taxes that create these benefits for people who dont work and have children. A lot of times, getting foot stamp assitance is not a choice most of us would graciously accept. I have to admit I was a bit embarassed to be on the program but I had to do what I had to do to eat!

I think we all need a hand up at sometime in our life. It's one thing if circumstances have put you in a situation to need to use food stamps, it's another if you use food stamps as a way of life. I think there's a lot of people who use food stamps and other government assistance appropriatetly, maybe they got laid off and are having a hard time finding work, maybe there's a medical issue at hand, maybe local economic factors take a family that's just getting by to the other side of the poverty line. I personally believe in self reliance and that support and help should be given by the individual's community and church. But I also understand that many people don't have church or community resources to lean on when times get tough. I think the reason there's a negative stigma about it is because we've all heard stories of people living off the government just to be lazy. My aunt teaches middle school in a poor state and she literally has girls in her classes that get pregnant because they know there mom will raise the kid and if they have enough kids they'll get a big enough check from the state to live on. It's really sad that a few losers ruin it for the good people who are using food stamps and the government to make sure their children don't starve while they are trying to work out a way to get in a better situation. I never think it's right to judge in issues of poverty, there are a million and one factors affecting a family's finances. Most people don't make it their way of life, but unfortunately some do and they ruin it for everyone. I wish we had a society where the person behind you in line at the store gave a look of compassion or tried to help out rather than a look of criticism. For all they know in 2 or 3 months they could be the one using food stamps having to work up the courage to go to the store or shop at odd hours in order to avoid the stares that they themselves used to give out!

absolutely not! it is not our right to judge other people regardless of what their status and conditions are... as the Bible says, judgement is solely the right of God as our Creator... we as the creations do not have the right to do so...

I have been one of those people at different times in my life. I understand exactly what you are saying that people shouldnt look at other people like that Just because they bought a treat for their kids or a special birthday cake for one of them , because that birthday is only once a year.Why should the kids suffer when dad got laid off his job or mom got hurt and couldnt work for awhile. I like the way Kansas has their food stamps now , It is in a card and for the most part unless you let people around you see you take it out , you cant hardly tell if it is a vison card or a credit card. I guess I always thought you know I pay my taxes like everyone else and the service is there if you need it. We went for years eating Beans and very cheap with out any help. And who knows I may be back on them again someday.

YOu cannot judge what others should eat or not..! And yes people should learn how to mind their own business!! This is a very bad habbit of us people that we always tend to discriminate between others like rich-poor,white-black and etc etc...!! We have no right to do such things to others. we should mind our own business and this is such a pointless act to keep poor people from enjoying icecreams..!! This is very bad. Then what does "freedom" means if you not allowed to live to way you want?? Disgusting.

I think with regards to food, I think no one should descriminate anybody because as a person, it is our responsibility to respect other people.

When I was a teenager, I worked at a grocery store and there were restrictions about what kinds of foods you could buy with food stamps. You couldn't buy sodas, chips, cookies, candy or any other "junk" food. Today, depending on your state, you can buy just about anything that can be eaten with food stamps. I think that is wrong. I think food stamps should only be allowed to buy fruits, veggies, bread, milk, cheese, things like that. I don't think you should be allowed to buy sodas, chips, cookies, cakes, candy and other types of "junk" food. I also do not think it is right to allow you to buy hot, prepared foods like deli chickens and salads (which you can do here in Texas). Now, before everyone gets mad at me for "picking on the poor" I am poor and I have been on food stamps before. I have seen some food stamp recipients go to the store and use their monthly allotment to buy shrimp, scallops, rib eye steaks and other very expensive meats. I have seen them buy nothing but sodas and junk food. It makes me mad because the food stamp program is for families with dependant children. I seriously doubt that the kids are taking scallops in their lunch boxes to school. That money is given to the families to provide healthy food for the kids, not so mommy and daddy can eat lobster once a month. As for ice cream and birthday cakes, those are treats and can be bought with cash if someone really wants them. Try baking a cake and making your own ice cream. It tastes better and is usually better for you than the stuff you get at the store. That is what I did when I was on food stamps, I baked my own treats and made my own ice cream. See, you can get all the ingredients on food stamps, make your treats and still feed your family.

I have been in the line at the grocery store when people are making comments on what the food stamp recipients are buying and I think it is sad. I also feel that if you are on food stamps it should not be anyones business what you buy. If you have children you would not want them to go through life without the little extras that some children get all the time. I feel that people should just let people live their lives their own way, and if they need the assistance it is there for them to recieve. As long as cake and ice cream is not all they are feeding their children, then no harm is done.

I think you are very right. I dont think people should judge other people for anything. I know what it feels like to be on food stamps as I have been in the past, everyone needs help now and then. anyway, I work now and have a hard time affording food so I defenatly understand what it feels like to be hungry and I also know that some people that are getting foodstamps work hard for it. In my county you have to be in a work program to get help. I worked 30 hours a week and it worked out to the same as $2.38 and hour.