Food Stamps: Why not let people buy these items?

I never understood that either, all the junk food and GMOs are free with food stamps but fruits and veggies are arent to be purchased...

I guess they need a toiletry program. Food stamps are so widely abused, and many that need, cannot get them. Not even temporarily. Here in SC, we recently had a disaster relief food stamp program where just about anyone could go get them for one month. People at work were encouraging me to go get them. I was not really affected that much by the flooding, and I could not go in good conscience, and receive this benefit. I know many did though, that really didn't need them.

Well, id see many rich people buying the stamps to get richer. I understand that many people need other things than food. But many food banks where i live give other things if you ask. Like pet food, toilet paper, things like that. I think food stamps should be used only for food items.

I do not think that we have such a system here in the UK. People are pretty much able to decide what they spend their money on once they receive it. However there is a greater reliance on food banks these days which are springing up all over the place.

Good question. My husband is a social worker at the welfare office. One day a young lady came in saying that she did not have essentials like shampoo. Hubby was a sweetie and had me get her some from the dollar store. When he presented the shampoo to the lady she basically said that was not a brand that she used. Hubby said he'd paid for it out of his own pocket. She finally niced up.

I think people on public assistance would benefit on classes on saving money and maybe make it mandatory. A couple of weeks ago, I found a grocery receipt left in the shopping cart. They had 2 T bone steaks, a whole chicken, and some various other meats including ground beef, pork chops a bunch of produce, various fruits and vegetables and some processed foods. These people used coupons and looked like rebates, as well. Guess how much the bill came to? If you say $80 and upwards you are right! Before coupons and rebates! These people only paid $27 and some change. I wish I would have kept that receipt! Now they know how to shop!

Although you have raised a valid point, I think that time has come when a debate should also start on allowing other essential items.

Yes we can do better with helping the financially disadvantaged. But food stamps are for food.

I did not know that food stamps are for food only, here you can buy also other products, like soap, toothpaste and so on.

As others have said, the food stamp program is for food and there are many agencies and groups that offer things other than food for those who need things. I know around here those in need just need to ask and its provided.

I agree that some leeway should be allowed with this system. Food is essential but it's also a cultural norm to be clean....

In our area there are many churches that supply many items to people in need and most only have to show up at the location on specific days of the month. The city provides certain things too, and people don't have to prove their need. I've been to some of those giveaways and hundreds show up for their portion. It's divided up into bags for different family sizes.

We don't have such here

they do have a cash assistance program. However it is never enough. For myself and my son when I first left my ex husband they gave us $150 a month total. Its extremely sad how many people really abuse the system.

Food Stamps are to provide a necessity for sustaining life. People do need the other things, but food is more important. Food stamps are usually meant to be supplemental. I know that if people get other assistance, then their balances for food stamps and other monetary assistance are kept separate. It would be very difficult to limit the purchases to just toilet paper, etc.

such toiletries can be as essential as food - they should be included in stamp options though ideally no one should be dependent on those either at all

I guess food stamps are just for food. So why not have a program to help people buy shampoo and other products that they need to.

The system seems to be flawed.

I couldn't agree with you more and have often thought the same thing. They may not think it is necessary but I think proper grooming goes a long way in making someone feel better and be able to go out and find a job. Who is going to try and find a job if they are dirty and wear dirty clothes?

I'm sure we can do better but whatever ideas are put forward, there always seems to be some hitches. If people didn't abuse these things, we'd all be a lot better off.