The Debate Over Cuts To The Food Stamp Program
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-07-26/debate-over-cuts-food-stamp-program
One in seven Americans receives food stamps, a number that's up sharply since the financial crisis. Most experts agree unemployment and underemployment have contributed to the number of people in need of food assistance. The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a measure that would cut nearly two million people from the program and cause 280,000 children to lose free meals. Anti-poverty advocates call it unconscionable. But supporters of the cuts say the food stamp program is inefficient and many people are receiving benefits who are not truly in need. Diane and her guests discuss the cost of feeding America's poor.
Guests
Jim Weill
president of the Food Research and Action Center.
Jerry Hagstrom
founder and executive editor of The Hagstrom Report, and columnist for National Journal.
Douglas Besharov
professor, University of Maryland School of Public Policy; senior fellow, the Atlantic Council of the United States; former Welfare Studies scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.
Comments
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pallas_athena wrote:
nohoplophobe wrote:
"... Having said that, black people per capita receive more government welfare than any other race so a logical argument could be made to use a black person as a typical welfare recipient."
"This is incorrect: "In fact, of all the people getting food stamps, almost twice as many households are white compared to black families & white households get more food stamps than both blacks & Hispanics put together"
PER CAPITA ! can you read?
I think I would feel more comfortable with a food bank being offered to ensure that he system is not being abused. I've heard many stories from individuals that I've worked with of the cards being sold and used for materials other than food.
I have worked in a grocery store for a year and I have witnessed exactly what your previous called also saw in the check out line. Poor choices in food selection contribute to our growing diabetes and obesity issues among the poor in this nation. These are the very same patients who need government support for any medical attention they seek. It would seem that if the government is truly interested in combating these diseases, these programs could easily implement a program similar to the WIC program which carefully guides clients to choices within specific food groups. Not only would the health of the client benefit, but would dramatically reduce these 2 diseases plaguing our lower income population, thus easing the overburdened medicaid program. I understand the person who would argue the issue of free choice but when on such a program good choices would be compulsory while keeping those in need well fed and healthy.
The US is still spending billions rebuilding the past administration's disasterous mistakes in Iraq and Afghanistan, and conservatives have the gall to complain about feeding struggling Americans? How sad and pathetic.
The amount of misinformation, ignorance and judgement that has been flying through this conversation is appalling. How we will ever fix the problems in this country with these individualistic and disrespectful attitudes?
I serve as a Community Resource Navigator in Washtenaw county of SE Michigan, and every day I work with families that are either receiving food assistance or need help doing so. Yes, this is an imperfect system, and yes, there are those that abuse it. However, I lay my head to rest every night knowing that I am doing my best to advocate for the client, and the appropriate use of the system.
Until you experience it first hand and understand what exactly the process is, please hold your tongue. I dare you to divulge some of the more personal details of your life to a total stranger just so you can try and find a way to help feed your family.
Although these are government funds, the system differs state to state, county to county- eligibility and asset test DO exist and are a large part of who qualifies and who doesn't. Don't forget about wonderful programs that encourage Bridge Card holders to spend their money at local farmers markets with the Double Up Food Bucks Program.
Another monumental complication to the system is the lack of personnel in the departments that regulate the receipt of these benefits. So if you really want to see some changes, engage in your community or get involved with your local governing departments. I would gladly discuss this topic further with anyone who's interested: kelsey@foodgatherers.org.
Whatever course you decide to take, please keep your negative and close minded thoughts to yourself- it will certainly not get us to a better place.
I have to stop listening to this today. I was on food stamps for six months. I had a steady job/income for 30+ years - and then was unemployed for seven years. I didn't apply/take food stamps until year seven - but then I just needed the help after going through all my savings, my 401k - my entire retirement. It was so strenuous to get approved for Food Stamps. And I used my FOOD stamps - NO CASH for food.
I am truly outraged that "righteous" folks are coming on the show and saying "how dare people on food stamps buy cookies" because somehow when we take money from the system (which I PAID INTO FOR 30+ years) others should regulate WHAT we buy and eat. Seriously??? The self righteousness of those who have never been in need of this service appalls and angers me.
I now have a job, and I'm so grateful. But I would NEVER judge those who are on Food Stamps - nor do I see it as some sort of heinous - SHAMEFUL thing to do. SHAME on those who judge those of us who have walked here. When you are down and out - sometimes you just need to eat a cookie.
Also - this idea of having to sell ANY assets? If I didn't have my car - I would NOT have gotten my current job. Beyond absurd how those "with" judge those "without."
EXACTLY! I have to quit listening because of the outrageous comments being made.
Completely agree! I'd like to make everyone who is making these outrageous comments have to go on Food Stamps for 3months and see how they feel then! Have them go through the lines, the process. THEN lets hear what they have to say!
Thank you to those who appreciate my comments on the show today. As for those who think I'm lazy, like one particular commenter here, you really don't know our whole story and I certainly wouldn't be sharing it all on the air for the world to judge. How does anyone know what kind of situation each family has? Whose to say I don't find work when I can but it just isn't cutting the mustard? What if I had a child with special needs who I needed to stay home and care for? What if my husband worked all hours of the day and night and working part time for me, and trying to afford day care, wasn't an option? The reason I called in was to counter the comment one of the professionals in the show made about how people didn't have to prove income until 11 months passed. That is not our situation. So please don't judge me, or others like me. It's surprising how people in our nation don't want to help those in need. If your situation changed dramatically I'm pretty sure you'd change your tune. - Alison
Alison,
I commend your strength and willingness to share your family's story about SNAP assistance, and it horrifies me to read these negative comments. As I mentioned earlier in the comments, I work for the Food Bank Council of Michigan, facilitating the SNAP outreach program through our food banks. I would understand your hesitation to share more of your story after today, but encourage you to call me if you are willing. It is so beneficial for us to hear from actual recipients, even more than hearing stories from our staff. If you'd like to share your story or talk more about SNAP please contact me at kaitlin@fbcmich.org, 517-664-9904 (office), or 517-614-6385 (cell). Thank you so much for sharing today!
nohoplophobe wrote:
pallas_athena wrote:
nohoplophobe wrote:
"... Having said that, black people per capita receive more government welfare than any other race so a logical argument could be made to use a black person as a typical welfare recipient."
"This is incorrect: "In fact, of all the people getting food stamps, almost twice as many households are white compared to black families & white households get more food stamps than both blacks & Hispanics put together"
PER CAPITA ! can you read?
July 26, 2012 - 12:20 pm
Lets see, Diane was being deliberately divisive by using a photo of a Black person to portray a Food Stamp Recipient.
But then it was justified because PER CAPITA more Blacks get Food Stamps than White.
Do you understand Probability, You DSOB?? The probability of a randomly selected photo of a Food Stamp Recipient being Black depends on the Number of Black FSRs vs White AND NOT PER CAPITA!!!
"nohoplophobe wrote:
..."The founders... were not idiots, they sought to give "the people" the tools necessary to restrain federal government growth and prevent it from becoming tyrannical with the drafting of the Constitution.
July 24, 2012 - 2:13 pm"
This is the most deranged interpretation of the Second Amendment I have ever seen!!!
Boy, give a gun to a Pussy Hoplophobe and he turns into Che Guevara!!!
Monte Haun mchaun@hotmail.com
This is shameful. Decades of deregulation, wild speculation with other peoples money, corporate subsidies, and tax loopholes bought and paid for by the likes of the Chamber of Commerce, too big to fail banks, and megacorporations have landed us in the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, doubling the number of people on food stamps. And this is to be fixed by cutting the meager benefits of the poorest among us? Then this is justified by saying there are some people who game the system. I don't think there is a system or market in the world that isn't gamed by someone.
Meanwhile mountains of lobbying have allowed corporations like General Electric to pay no taxes at all and offset manufacturing costs by polluting the environment. Meanwhile billions of taxpayer dollars are handed to the very banks whose wild speculation got us into this mess. Meanwhile the same man that as chairman of Goldman Sachs testified before Congress that allowing the five largest banks to use 40 to one leverage in their speculations would be good for the economy is put in charge of the bailout - Hank Paulson. Why can't we see what is going on right before our eyes? Greed, cronyism,thinly veiled bribery, speculative excess, crash. And the cure is to cut food stamps?
Just by chance, I caught the last 8 minutes of your show as I was in route to investigate suspected EBT Fraud. Workers in my agency handle approximately 700 FNS, Medicaid and Crisis Programs. Yes, we have seen new faces requesting and needing services. Workers recognize but for the Grace of God, there go I. No one, I repeat no one wants anyone in this country to go hungry. Our existing regulations do not do enough for our seniors living on $658.00 per month or less. Day in and day out, I review situations where individuals rationalize why they should not be held to the same eligibility standards which apply to all, why they do not have to report the under the table wages, or side jobs. I continue to be amazed at the lengths dishonest individuals go to in order to get assistance they are not eligible to receive and then protest that they are entitled. My comments are not meant to offend those hard working, self-employed individuals or those juggling two jobs just trying to keep their heads above water. I would encourage the Federal players to obtain suggestions from those of us that work in the trenches to better understand things we see every day. In closing, I do agree there needs to be a massive over haul of the Food and Nutrition and Medicaid programs. I have worked in this system long enough to have heard President Reagan challenge policy makers to change these programs in order to help the needy and not the greedy. Likewise, I have experienced President Clinton's changes to Welfare as we know it. I do not have all the answers but I do know there must be a change.
Besides company layoffs, disability, illness, shipping of jobs oversees that have resulted in people needing food stamps we need to take a strong look at corporate greed. Most corporations are trying to keep as much money for their executives and board members that they under pay and under staff their companies. Far too many of these corporations are not paying their employees a living wage. If you are working a full time job and you make so little that you qualify for food stamps then their is a problem with your companies pay rate. We need to do something to prevent companies and universities from getting away with paying such low wages.
Perhaps folks should take a look at the Chronicle of Higher Education and read about the percentage of PHD's that are paid so little by the colleges and universities they work for that they qualify for food stamps. I am a well educated white women with a master's degree who has been out of work for over 4 years and I am on food stamps. The company I worked for bought a mortgage company at the height of the market when the bottom started falling out in 2008 they could not sell it and massive company layoffs took place. I recently took a full time retail job that is seasonal 90 days only so they can find another group of individuals who have been hurt by the recession due to corporate greed and who qualified for government assistance so that they can get another round of tax credit for employing those of us affected by the economy.
This was an informative show...no matter how you feel about food stamps that fact they help poor people AND the economy should get the conservatives to quit picking on the program.
My complaint about food stamps is that recipients can buy soda and unhealthy "fake foods" like oreos (the grocery store clerk said that it bothered him to see people buying junk food w/ their food stamps) and I agree... it would be SO EASY for the law to change to prohibit soda/candy/cookies/desserts to be bought with food stamps.
The excuse Congress gives not to do it is that the clerks would be put in a position to "enforce" the law and that would be hard to do/police... but I say it's worth a try. It would help recipients make healthier food choices and set a better example for their children (a kid demanding a parent buy sweets might take "no, sorry" from a clerk better than from a parent.
(And to the person who proudly said his mother used them to buy only necessities like cereal...it should be pointed out that since most cereals are mostly sugar, they really are more like dessert and a better breakfast choice would have been eggs...which are cheap!)
Please sign this petition I created to at least change the law so recipients cannot buy soda with food stamps, bu CAN buy a toothbrush/paste with them...it's so ironic you can ruin your teeth with sugar on the govt's dime, but can't buy toothpaste to try to prevent the cavities that sugar causes...dental work is expensive! http://signon.org/sign/you-can-buy-soda-with.fb7?source=c.fb.ty&r_by=254...
I completely understand why people who do not receive food assistance benefits have such outrage about what people are allowed to spend money on at the check out. I see it all the time. My feelings are greatly mixed. First, where do you draw the line? I make most meals and desserts from scratch. Would I be allowed to buy a pound of sugar if the law was more restricted? Isn't that used in all sorts of recipes, not just desserts? What about cheeses? Aren't they incredibly high in fat? Who is the one to regulate such things? The government is in the pocket of the FDA who is run almost exclusively by the big food companies. This is the primary reason for the obesity epidemic, not those on food stamps. I am also receiving WIC, which is the Women Infant & Children food program. They provide a list of very specific foods we are allowed to buy but many of those foods, like breads and cereals, are from one or two major food companies. You can buy Honey Bunches of Oats and flavored oatmeal packets, but not plain quick oats. This doesn't make sense. Thankfully they have recently added whole fruits and vegetables. WIC also requires families to come in and meet with a nutrition counselor every 3 months and take online food quizzes focusing on healthy food choices. They will weigh the children and offer helpful advice if the child is not getting the proper nutrition. It's not all bad. So please, all the people out there who make snap judgements and blame those on assistance, understand we are all flawed (as one of the on-air guests mentioned).
Some 61 percent of welfare recipients are White, while 33 percent are Black, according to 1990 Census Bureau statistics, the latest figures available.
Among the poorest of the poor--single mothers, living below the poverty line with minor children to support 39.7 percent of AFDC clients are Black single mothers and 38.1 percent are White women with children. Food stamp recipients are 37.2 percent Black and 46.2 percent White. Medicaid benefits are paid to 27.5 percent Black recipients compared to 48.5 percent White clients.
Thanks
I grew up crazy poor. My family was in the underclass, which i define as the class whose primary source of income is from illegal means: drug dealing, selling bootlegged and stolen goods, prostitution, etc. Not only were we on some kind of aid, but we also bought food stamps from people who were on them. And i know of poor people right now who are perpetrating fraud with the current ebt program. They sell the funds for 50 cents on the dollar. For every family who is using the program as it was intended, there is another family who is gaming the system. I believe that our whole concept of how we help the poor in this country needs to be redesigned. It seems like everything is so piecemeal. Also (and i know i'm gonna sound like an a-hole for this), poor people don't know how to handle money. Seriously. I was poor and i learned money lessons the hard way. I am very uncomfortable saying that, as a group, poor people are at fault for their poverty. However, every poor person that i know personally makes bad money decisions, most of which i can pinpoint as a cause of them remaining poor. I feel like we need some kind of financial education for poor people so that they can learn how to save and how to not get ripped off. We need real nutrition education so that people know what to buy. we need a more holistic approach.
My church donates. Almost everyday a family comes to get food. We love giving.
Most of the biased, narrow minded comments contain very little truth. We hear,read,see the same anytime this subject comes up. Ive heard the same lame stories from the time I was a child growing up poor in the south many many years ago.
There is fraud & abuse in every aspect of life not just food stamps. Try doing a little research before you make fools of yourselves by claiming to "know" many many people who abuse food stamps. Really? How exactly do you know them? Perhaps you are one of them. Maybe if you know so many abusers you hang out in the wrong places?
As for the gossipy sales clerks & the snoopy customers watching everyones basket, you have no clue period. The cash register automatically tracks food stamp purchases and if an item is not covered it is charged as a cash
purchase . You must pay cash for it. The clerk does not do the policing. It is common sense that these families can not buy premium products, they must stretch and by doing so end up with less than nutritional items which are cheaper. So what if they buy cookies? It is their business not yours.
While you are standing around the office smoking a cigarette & drinking coffee think of what harm you are doing to my health & others. I will take care of my self. If someday I need help buying food or yourselves find the need lets hope we dont have to face people like you.
Theres plenty of education & services available. Why dont the poor use them? Most dont know about them, have no access to them or if they do they dont understand them.
I also grew up poor. I have a college education (that I payed for) and have had many adverse things happen in life and yet I still did not choose to be a prostitute, bank robber, thug etc.
Poor people & rich alike make poor choices. At some point in life you have to grow up & take responsibility to change. Then do it.
Well my opinion on the Food Stamp crisis is give it to those that really need it. When you have kids getting out of high school and they apply for food stamps and get it and then plan to do nothing with their life except live off the government it's a shame. My son is a perfect example on this. He gets out of high school moves in with friends whom are all on food stamps and they sit and play video games all day long. There are like 4 kids in one house getting food stamps and as long as they can have pop, chips, candy and lots of junk food they are happy. I thought I raised my kid better than this since I have worked all my life and never once applied for food stamps. So, they need to take control over this and get the food stamps out of the hands of kids that do nothing and don't even look for jobs. I imagine my kid and his friends are not the only one doing this. And they all have government phones because they get food stamps so free phone and free food what more do they need.
I was a military spouse for over 7 years, and although you and others may think we have it made we do not. First, you say for the spouses to get a job so that the household can be a two paycheck home. Its a lot harder than you think. When your husband is being deployed every other 6 months and in between going through training, its hard. When you are a stay at home mom with two kids, and no baby sitter, its hard. Just because there is housing allowance, it does not mean its money that we can spend freely, its money to provide a home for those who are fighting and dying for people like you. Health and dental is only free for the active duty military member. Family members have to pay every month for their insurance. There are some in the military that should get food stamps. Believe it or not, the income that one ACTUALLY gets paid on their paychecks is NOT enough as you think. People like you who do NOT understand what the military actually goes through does not need to make senseless comments like that. The difference between 'the rest of the population' and military is that the military is sacrificing everything for this country to have freedom, and to live with out war in our backyards. I think a housing allowance is fair seeing that on average we make less than $20,000 a year.
I am a military spouse, not on food stamps but really need to correct what is said here. Most wife's (with kids)simply can't work, between field problems, training, schools and deployments. Employers simply won't work around our husbands scheds. Your mistaken about the housing allowance, when living on installations we don't live there free...I wish. They take our housing allowance in full. A family of 4 makes how much....? Lol I am a family of 5, my husband has been in 9 years, we make HALF that. Dental is not free, we pay monthly premiums. Before you go bashing your countries military please get your facts straight.