Finance

Should Food Stamps Be Accepted In Restaurants?

It’s an interesting question. Should recipients of Food Stamps be allowed to spend those government-provided coupons (taxpayer dollars) at restaurants?

Food Stamp use is at an all time high in America. Estimates say more than 45 million people are using this government safety net at a cost of over $64 billion dollars annually.

Should Food Stamps Be Accepted In Restaurants

(And those are 2010 numbers, the 2011 price tag is guaranteed to be higher.)

The official government definition about Food Stamps states:

The food stamp program helps low-income people buy food.

Simple enough. If you are having trouble paying for food to feed yourself and your family, the government is there to help. But questions remain, should recipients of food stamps be told where they can spend this “money” and on what?

The federal government pays for food stamps, but the programs are managed on a state level, with restrictions placed at the local level. Each state is allowed to place restrictions on what kind of purchases can be made using government support. Items like tobacco, alcohol and in some cases – sodas and junk foods are forbidden. Most states have managed to block restaurant use of food stamps by excluding the purchase of “hot food.”

The four states (California, Florida, Michigan, & Arizona) permitting food stamp use in restaurants have all mentioned that it was done to help the elderly, disabled and homeless people. (This is an exception allowed by the few rules imposed by the federal government.)

USA Today reported that the National Restaurant Association is lobbying for food stamps to be accepted, and why not? In difficult economic times, the substantial spike in food stamp dollars represents a considerable market for restaurants.

We encourage you to participate in our survey on Food Stamps and their use.


FOOD STAMPS

Comments (555)

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  • conservativemom99
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:28am

    NO! They should be used for staple foods, fruits, vegetables…
    I would love to see a break-down of what foods are typically bought with food stamps. I’ll bet that info would be sickening…

    Report Post » conservativemom99  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:42am

      I’ll be more than happy to tell you: I usually see people with stamps buy several two-liter bottles of soda pop and large bags of potato chips at a time, and other junk food, with maybe one or two veggies or fruits. And I see it all the time. Then at the end of the month, they‘re complaining they’re out of funds.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • cessna152
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:51am

      Food stamps are total BS. I worked at a seafood store in the 1980′s and people would come in and buy lobster tails and king crab with their food stamps. I am trying to work my way through college eating taco bell and burger king and these lowlifes are eating King Crab and driving away in their new BMW? It’s a scam and it should be abolished. Let the people take care of their own… when the government gets involved it ALWAYS turns into a scam and corruption.

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • conservativemom99
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:08am

      And I watched a woman buy a cart full of party supplies for a birthday party…junk food, soda, candy…pulled out her food stamp card and away she went in her late model SUV…

      you’re welcome lady…

      Report Post » conservativemom99  
    • rangerp
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:30am

      Food stamps should not be allowed in resaurants, and they should not be given to 46 million Americans, and it should not be a life long entitlement. It should only be for short duration help.

      Food stamps should allow users to shop in a specific area of the grocery store, where you can buy dry beans, dry rice, generic canned foods. It should allow those that need it for a short time, to get enough basic nutrition to keep a family alive. Those Americans who are on foodstamps happen to be the fattest Americans. This is insane.

      Read the constitution and the deleration of independence, and show me where the federal gov is supposed to provide food for American citizens (or jobs). This is why we are in the financial mess in the first place.

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • sickofloafers
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:32am

      Here’s a way to encourage responsible behavior: On those “welfare credit cards” – load them with the appropriate amount of calories needed for the family per month. Then, they can buy all sugar and prepared foods their card will buy for a week and be out of calories – or they could buy fruits, vegetables, flour, sugar, lean meats and eat well for the whole month. If Walmart can put the price on the bar code, they can also put caloric value. I’m sick of seeing the pregnant lady with a toddler in the cart in front of me in the grocery store load her basket with cases of soda, ice cream, oatmeal and lard cookies, candy, popcorn and maybe one bag of corn meal flour and then swipe her “free food” card. See gets her’s free – I have to pay full dollar.

      Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:35am

      They shouldn’t be used, as they shouldn’t exist in a free nation. There is nothing constitutional at all about any socialist welfare.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • mycomet123
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:47am

      Unfortunately, the only experience/exposure I have with people on food stamps has been a negative one. I use to do some home health care nursing & I would go to these houses & they had ever cable channel on the planet, would have beer, cigarettes, nail & hair was always done, tons of jewelry –BUT– they couldn’t afford tylenol for their children. They would call their doctor or drag their child to the ER late night & get PRESCRIPTIONS FOR TYLENOL!. I am sure that their are some people who do geniunely need the food stamps but I think they are the minority of the ones using them!

      Report Post »  
    • Morris
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:57am

      Food banks should be set up,give the people good food, If they don’t like the food supplied,
      Simple “GET A JOB” and buy the foods that you want!
      50% of the people on Welfare are able to work,These Career Welfare people should be drug tested every month, Found to be on drugs, no more checks!
      “We The People” Know that there are not any good full time jobs out there now,Do to this
      Dictator Barack Hussein Obama our Muslim-in-Chief that is running and destroying our America,
      Many people must work 1 to 2 part time jobs to make ends meet,I know I have done that in the past!
      Next thing that the people on welfare will want is “CASH IN HAND”!
      Supply welfare people with good food at food banks,No more food stamps, no more debit
      cards!
      If the people don’t like the foods supplied,“GET A JOB” and than you can buy the kinds of foods that you want!
      NO MORE CAREER WELFARE,IF YOU CAN LAY DOWN AND MAKE A BABY,THAN YOU CAN GET UP AND GET A DAMN JOB,AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR BABIES!!!!
      “WE THE PEOPLE”,The tax paying working Americans are sick and tired of KEEPING YOUR
      CHILDREN AND PAYING FOR YOUR COMPLETE LIVING,CAREER WELFARE its time to GET OFF OF THE BUS THE FREE RIDE IS OVER!

      Report Post »  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:19am

      .
      Why not?
      They’re already turning up at cruise ships, Vegas casinos,
      strip clubs, Hawaiian resorts and ATM’s

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • Countrygirl1362
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:23am

      I know how they are spent in my area. Got behind a man not long ago had a cart full of chips, sodas, cookies and paid for it all with food stamps. Makes me angry everytime I think of things like that being purchased with food stamps.

      Should only be allowed to buy fruits, veggies, meats, dairy, rice and NO junk food and NO eating out with food stamps.

      Report Post »  
    • David286 - FL
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:25am

      People abuse the hell out of the food stamp system…I worked at a grocery store in a low income area and watched most using food stamps buy a $100 worth of junk food right after buying everything they could with food stamps then put it all in a new vehicle.

      Report Post » David286 - FL  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:26am

      I remember being on foodstamps as a kids for about 3 months my dad was so ashamed and i was embarrassed. He never wanted to be there again and worked two jobs to make sure he wasn’t
      food stamps should go back to being food stamps not a credit card. People who use them shouldn’t be spared the embarrassment of using them. That embarrassment should used as a modivator to get off the program

      Report Post »  
    • Quagmir
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:38am

      I dont care what food they buy with food stamps. I want these people to be screened to see what the true income is before being given them. If your walking around with a new car(ok you dont walk with a car) and a fancy cell phone, have 5 TV’s in the house with cable and high speed net and a top of the line Computer. Well you shouldnt be getting food stamps.

      This was a discription of myself and I am eligible for food stamps because of my income being a disabled Vet. They dont take into account that I live with my parents to survive and they do an aweful lot to help me out or that car i have would be gone along with many other things like my guns!!

      I obviously wont take it and would sell everything i own before doing so but not everyone has that attitude and it wont get to that point with my local church pantry always offering help too.

      Time to get these bums out of our system and other dependancies they have on “patiotic tax paying” citizens.

      Report Post » Quagmir  
    • HD Veteran
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:42am

      ConservativeMom nailed it.

      Sadly ‘food stamps’ have become a new avenue of spreading the wealth around and providing a standard of living that will lock in votes for our progressive over-seers.

      Report Post » HD Veteran  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:43am

      no.

      Report Post »  
    • db321
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:33am

      Obama should sign an executive order that would allow Food Stamp Recipients to be able to just sign for anything on the Menu including Alcohol, and Desert at any Restaurant of their choice. The Government would then pick-up the whole tab including tip. Jews and Tea Party People excluded.

      db321  
    • John 3:16
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:37am

      The problem with most government programs is that they are a failure and they are self perpetuating. The only help the poor should get is a special store set up where they have to go to get basic healthy food. They (recipiants) should be drug tested. If they can afford big screens or cell phones they can feed themselves. Otherwise they can live off government cheese,vegetables, powdered milk, rice, beans and oatmeal. If you are hungry REALLY hungry these are good enough foods. This might also encourage an end to living off others. Rose Ellen is a nut job.

      Report Post » John 3:16  
    • biggreenboo
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:51am

      “This might also encourage an end to living off others. Rose Ellen is a nut job.”

      Thank you… the last line made me spit out (in laughter) my non-food stamp chili.

      Report Post »  
    • Rowgue
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:55am

      The food stamp program is just another black hole we dump billions of taxpayer dollars into every year. Just get rid of it. If people really need to feed themselves they’ll go to a food pantry or a soup kitchen or get donations from a church.

      Every year the vast majority of food stamps go unused. They issue billions and billions of dollars of them every single year and almost nobody uses them. The only reason the amount being used is going up is that the people that do use them have figured out ways to scam the system to get more. Notice they didn’t say there was any increase in the number of people using or applying for food stamps, just the amount of money.

      Report Post »  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 12:05pm

      Food stamps should be uses for food prepared at home…NOT FOR Food prepared by some one else in a Restaurants!! NO HOT DINNERS!!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 12:34pm

      DRUG TEST anyone on government handouts…I know when I or one of my family members goes to find a job, we are drug tested, why not people collecting a government check?..How about the concept of community work to “give back” what you’re taking every month…food stamps, welfare and the like is turning our nation into a bunch of lazy moochers!

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • zenjak
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 12:45pm

      YES! Food stamps should beallowed in restaurants. Those of us who work for a living and pay taxes can’t afford to eat out much anymore, so someone has to keep the eateries in business.

      Report Post »  
    • TXPilot
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 1:15pm

      Yes, they should be able to use food stamps in a resturant, but only for a watery guel and a piece of stale bread……no hot wings and nachos for you!!!

      Report Post » TXPilot  
    • Sleazy Hippo
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 1:26pm

      If the user was buying all you can eat at Golden Corral or a similar competitively priced hot meal outlet, why would that be so outrageous?

      The extra restaurant cost might be offset by the saved energy cost of cooking rice and cheese at home, while economically presenting a bigger variety of greens and starches and proteins for the same cost, with no waste.

      Report Post » Sleazy Hippo  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 2:04pm

      Absolutely not !!!
      Socialists do not deserve a night out, at a fine dining establishment.
      People that work for a living do deserve that luxury.
      People that need assistance should not be eating out !!!
      They should be buying bulk rice, beans and pasta, and eating at home !!!

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 2:11pm

      I work my @ss off. I am hangin’ by a thread. I am almost homeless. I could use food stamps.

      I REFUSE ANY GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE !!!!!!

      I would rather die with PRIDE !!!!!!

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 2:41pm

      @ProbIemSoIver

      I am in a similar situation and I don‘t get food stamps and I don’t eat out or go to convenience stores. I can’t afford it. Heck, groceries are too expensive as it is.
      I know that some people have no clue how to prepare food and only know junk food from convenience stores and fast food. Can’t even open a can of beans!
      I’ve seen people in as bad or worse shape than me, having pizza delivered to them when I won’t even consider that because of the cost.
      Food stamps should be for grocery stores only and food staples.

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • Silversmith
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 3:01pm

      Simply NO. They are to feed your family in a crisis, not to “go out to dinner”. They should be a short term thing. You have a responsibility to take care of your family. If that means you actually have to learn to cook, then it’s on you. Frankly, it should be something everyone knows how to do. Just because the stamps are free, doesn‘t mean you don’t have a responsibility to feed your family under your own power.

      Silversmith

      Report Post » Silversmith  
    • lovemyfamily
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 3:05pm

      Next time you see someone in line using food stamps irresponsibly, step up and say something, make a small issue / scene and question their motives. I do and you should see the eye‘s pop and mouth’s drop, and the thank you’s i get from those of us working and holding our own. Time to step up people and be branded for what you believe in !!

      Report Post »  
    • Mark Tripp
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 3:15pm

      Well, I was on them for a very long time, I can tell you what I did.

      Once a month I went to a bulk butcher shop north of Flint. There I got the cheapest of everything he had. Talking Chicken, some fish, some cheap cuts of beef, etc. Then I went to the day old bread place, and finally the Farmers Market which, God Bless them, gave double for your food stamps. In other words if you bought $10.00 of fresh fruit/Vegies, they would let you have another $10 for free.

      That is how I spent mine.

      Report Post » Mark Tripp  
    • scoutxlt
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 3:25pm

      Just as disgusting & ridiculous are “Kids” who are undoubtedly young enough to be in high school, but have kids and an EBT card…. buying candy bars & potato chips!!! I’ve seen it a hundred times, I don’t know if that upsets me more or the “Alternate” issue: Adult with 6 kids running around all wearing $200 sneakers, and $500 NFL Jackets, driving an New Navigator or Escllade… and everyone is 100# or More over weight. Walking heart-attacks collecting full medical no doubt too…. Just unbelieveable…!

      Report Post » scoutxlt  
    • ghostsouls
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 3:27pm

      You think they have fights now at fast food restaurants, wait till they enact this! What should be done, is have michelle obama get off her big tush, and enact a program whereby the FDA, goes over every items, scans it in, and if it‘s not on the list you can’t buy it with foodstamps. If it does not have enough nutritional benefits it is disqualified. Items on the shelf will have an icon on them saying they are food stamp eligible, if not can’t buy them.

      Report Post » ghostsouls  
    • Servant Of YHVH
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 3:37pm

      You are very correct conservativemom
      The way that I see it, they should not be allowed to spend it for anything except non-taxable items. In states where food is taxed then they should not be allowed to spend it on anything except unprepared foods that is bought in a grocery store. There should be allowances maybe that they could buy things like toilet paper and other NECESSARY items such as that. Other than that, do NOT let them buy anything! That includes alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, etc!

      Report Post » Servant Of YHVH  
    • Blitz
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 3:52pm

      I was in the best butcher shop in the area a while back. I can only go once or twice a month with the price of the meat. There was a couple in front of me in line with a basket of the best steaks. The woman used her food stamp card and she didnt have enough on the card. She turned to the guy next to her and asked for his and they completed the sale. I wasnt happy but kept my mouth shut while thinking, doesnt Walmart have steak??

      Report Post »  
    • ejbonk
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 3:58pm

      I also See people with Food Stamps Buy Food in Bulk. Meats,Eggs,Milk,Cheese,Potatoes,Dry Food Goods,Canned Food Goods,and Frozen Foods.They also use Coupons too. Just trying to make ends meet.
      Food Stamps should not be used in Restaurants,with a limited exception for the Elderly and those with Proven Medical Conditions,which the current Program Allows in some States. Those with brains use Food Stamps Wizely,Those without a Clue use them Foolishly. It all comes down to the Individual.

      Report Post »  
    • SilentVoice
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:11pm

      Organic Oranges 10/$1, a 15 bag of potatoes for $2.99, whole grain breads, discount grocery stores. I am a single, lifelong disabled mother, not receiving child support (the father is not obligated to pay at this time). Normally, I could not afford to eat “healthy” foods due to the fact that vegetables and whole grains are much more expensive than your processed or “unhealthy” foods. I don’t think that being able to use restaurant stamps are necessary, if you are able to eat at home. When I am not well, and cannot cook, I slice apple wedges and we eat sliced veggies with dip, and have sandwiches. I like to think that I use what is given to us wisely, and try to get the most fortifying meals with what is given.

      I do not think that going after people, and hiring people to investigate is necessarily a good solution either. More money gets spent on hiring investigators than gets spent on finding people abusing the system. Surely, there is a more cost effective way. Perhaps checking with the individuals to see how they are using their funds and if they need better guidance to healthier eating. Welfare will go up, do to unemployment going up, as well as inflation. So are government incomes. They are inflating as well, maybe there should be investigations on federal incomes. :) Toppling society. When times are tough, go after the poor. Can’t you pick on someone your own size?

      I do care very much about my child and see to it that she eats her broccoli.

      Report Post »  
    • flcookie
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:28pm

      Absolutely not! Talk about fraud. Heard a man on local talk radio today say he does not qualify for F/S or a free phone, but decided to test the system. Said he was approved for both. Of course he
      reported it, to no avail…….

      Report Post »  
    • flcookie
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:30pm

      Also heard one Democrat say that food stamps helped improve the economy….Sick! or stupid. Like I’ve heard, “you can’t fix stupid”.

      Report Post »  
    • mils
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:30pm

      It is sickening. Be a little bird at Walmart on the day they all get their stamps…damn!!! the potato and soda , ice cream and crap flies out the door being bought by our money disguised as food stamps.

      It is wrong. Fruits, vegetables, basic everyday foods are the order of the day for food stamp recipients.
      So, can you pick out chronic food stampers by their groceries or the size of their shorts???

      Report Post »  
    • PatriotGal2
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:04pm

      I believe only necessities should be purchased with food stamps – no eating/dining at restaurants. As to what people buy with food stamps: how about filet mignon, standing rib roasts, imported cheeses. Oh yes they do – I have seen them as they “pay” with food stamps and I burn because we can’t afford those items. Their nails are manicured, hair styled; they carry designer handbags and drive SUVs. How unethical can people be!

      Report Post »  
    • mgourley
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:41pm

      Any food item should be allowed, including restaurant visits. I think it would be a great lesson in personal responsibility. If you buy rib eyes and soda and run out of your monthly allotment two weeks before your EBT card is credited, too bad, so sad. Hopefully, a lesson learned.

      Report Post »  
    • Pujols
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:57pm

      HELL NO!
      _____________________________
      Ask Moochelle what they should eat.

      Report Post »  
    • oneshiner
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:22pm

      Absolutely NOT! If I don’t eat out because I want to be careful with money, so should they not eat out on food stamps.
      Just like someone on corner waving a sign and smoking a cigarette and drinking a Starbucks coffee, I wouldn’t give them the time of day. Cost of the cigarettes would have bought a breakfast, and the same for Starbucks coffee which I don’t treat myself to because of the cost. I go to McDonalds where the coffee is more reasonable and you can get a 2nd cup free.

      For people on welfare & gimme’s, watch how you spend your money as others are watching and nothing makes us angrier than to see you live off handouts and spend for better food than we get.
      Beans & rice fill you up when the government is feeding you. No soda pop, no beer, no cigs, no
      lobster & filet steaks. Common sense.

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:30pm

      @ProbIemSoIver

      oh come on, don’t you think they get tired of just sitting around the house doing nothing? NOT! I agree, eating out is a luxury, and if you don’t work, you don’t get it. I applied for food stamps and welfare while I was a single parent and didn’t qualify. I had a minimum wage job, a rented house, and a truck I was paying on. You know what? It taught me to budget and appreciate the little things.

      Report Post »  
    • johngs54
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:44pm

      Just to say I am 100% disabled. Worked as and Elect. 40 years. Get no S.S. as of yet. I broke my neck. I get food stamps. In Fl. the only thing you can by are food and NO prepared food. Meat, Veg. Fruit, Milk. You can get candy and sodas which I don’t agree with but Fl. doesn’t give much on what you can get. Only Food. No fast food no Restaurants of any kind. Don’t think you should either. Well, that is all I have to say about it. Hell, I can’t even get the S.S. I paid into for 40 years. My savings is running out real fast. No Med. help, no financial. I am very gratefull for the F. S.

      Report Post » johngs54  
    • mgourley
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:57pm

      So, It’s OK for the Government to tell people what they may or may not purchase with taxpayer funds, but it’s not OK for the Government to tell people what they may or may not purchase with private funds?
      Personally, I don‘t think it’s the Government’s place to tell ANYBODY what they may or may not purchase.
      Remember, we are talking about Food Stamps/SNAP here. So, obviously, purchases would be food, not beer, smokes, or whatever. If the user of Food Stamps/SNAP wishes to take their taxpayer stipend for food and blow it, leaving nothing to feed their family, so be it.
      You can‘t intellectually argue that it’s not government‘s role to tell people how to live their lives if you are arguing that it’s OK for government to tell “some” people how to live their lives.

      Report Post »  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 7:09pm

      Here is what I do every time I get behind someone using food stamps. I follow them to their car and simply say YOUR WELCOME. Catches them off guard every time and they are embarrassed. Sorry liberals, that is the way they should feel about me feeding them!

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • mgourley
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:16pm

      I have absolutely no problem with a social safety net. When it becomes a hammock, then I take issue. At the same time, I am not going to impose my will, or the Government’s will on what people do with the gifts they get from the rest of society, especially when I champion Government getting the hell out of my life, because I happen to be able to support me and my family. You can’t have it both ways. It’s either limited government for all, or not. You can’t make exceptions. The exceptions are what caused all the problems we now face.

      Report Post »  
    • johnannegalt
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:18pm

      I can’t wait for the welfare riots/food stamp riots to begin when they realize they’ve completely sucked us dry, and there are no more tax dollars of ours coming to the rescue. Ahh, yes, the fundamental trasnformation is nearing completion… http://markamerica.com/2011/09/08/the-radical-left-aims-to-complete-fundamental-transformation/

      Report Post » johnannegalt  
    • 4blackhorses
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:58pm

      Absoultely not!! But by the graph it looks like more “restuarants” include McDonalds and Burer King. The ‘poor’ bastards should be at home cooking nutritious meals for the family. Hey, Michele, you classless, saltless, ‘Second Class Lady, what’s your take on this?

      Report Post »  
    • pbrenda51
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:29pm

      I agree….they should be eating at home….it is cheaper…..if they are poor enough for food stamps, they should be watching their money and not buying sodas and other junk food with it either

      Report Post »  
    • BloodSweatandTears
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:42pm

      Wait! Of course they should be accepted, then they should be picked up by a chauffeur and driven to their castle on the hill.

      Report Post »  
    • ilovethiscountry
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:33pm

      Food stamps should not be used in restaurants.

      Report Post »  
    • vwat12
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 2:29am

      Well, it is apparent that sterotypes run rampart here, and very few of you actually understand how the food stamp program works. Fact: the majority of people receiving food stamps DO work. FACT: the “welfare card” as you call it not only allows one to access food stamps, but also disability, SSI, and other state/federal benefits.

      Report Post »  
    • phil65
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 5:12am

      mgourley
      Sorry dude but I have to disagree with your statement, if you are living off of government funds why would the government not have some say in what you buy with said funds? You are using a nonsensical arguement, there is quite a difference in the government having a say in where their funds are spent and them having a say in where your personally earned funds are spent.

      Report Post »  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 5:57am

      This is a joke, right? If recipients of food stamps are allowed to use the stamps to “dine out” I want to join the program. My family hasn’t “dined out” for the last last couple of years. We spend all OUR money at the grocery store and there’s not enough left to for restaurants. This ENTITLEMENT needs to be revised

      If food stamps can be used in restaurants, what’s next, liquor and tobacco stores? Why Not?. They are often sold to others and the money is used to buy alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. So in a sense, the US Government is subsidizing the ell and purchase of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs with US tax dollars.

      Report Post »  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 7:18am

      Why not. They’re already being SOLD to third parties to buy liquor. beer, cigarettes and drugs. If they can be used to “dine out” why not for entrtainment(movies, rentals, cabl tv etc.). Less than 50% use them for legal puchases of food staples while the other %0% is being used for illegal puchases of non esential items.

      Seriously, like ALL other US Government entitlement programs the food stamps started with good intentions but is greatly abused today. I think the food stamp distributionshould be stopped entirely until a person to person investigation can be completed. Striker rules should be applied including poof of purchase only of food staples.

      Report Post »  
    • Pegi
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 8:40am

      I bet you’re right!! I have family members that use theirs to buy mostly junk food.

      Report Post »  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 12:54pm

      VWAT…most people with the SSI card, don’t deserve that either!…just another racket they can scam, like food stamps.

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • WayneO1773
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 1:29pm

      Food stamps should NOT be used in restaurants. I understand WHY restaurant owners might want to get the business, however the idea of a welfare recipient eating out is morally repugnant. Anyone who is receiving food stamps should be in the restaurant’s kitchen washing dishes, rather than being waited upon (in the dining room) by a gainfully employed, hard working taxpayer. This is coming from a former dish washer who was never “too good” or “above” washing dishes, as are so many of the slugs from todays’s Entitlement Generation. Like a lot of other posters, I too have observed some obvious fraud by people using food stamps. It is a bitter pill indeed to see bejeweled and fashionably attired welfare cheats loading their purchases into a late model, luxury automobile.

      Report Post »  
    • TofuCutiePie
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 3:05pm

      My family and I currently receive food stamps after one of us lost our job. We are working hard toward not needing them anymore but it is going much slower than I had hoped. That being said, we use our benefits to buy all of our produce (I would say that is about 1/2 of our full shopping cart), milk, cheese, cereal, as well as juice, peanut butter, eggs, butter, etc. We hardly buy any processed foods (our choice) and do not use our benefits for pop, chips, bakery goods like cookies or cakes (although we will buy graham crackers or animal crackers for the kids on occasion).

      NOT everyone abuses the system. Its there to help for as long as you need the help. In return, those who receive benefits should be constantly and consistently working towards “independence”. We have no luxuries—no name brands, no cable, cellphone, we shop clearance/sales racks only when we are not buying second hand. This financial hardship has taught us that luxuries are just that, luxuries and not needed. I actually prefer to not have all that stuff.

      And all of that being said, NO benefits should NOT be accepted at restaurants. Those are luxuries, things that you do IF you have the money.

      Report Post »  
    • I support God's Israel!
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 4:42pm

      Sleazy Hippo:
      Unbelievable. I bet YOU DON‘T WORK to contribute towards the welfare recipient’s (food stamp) handouts, and I bet you are one yourself. Why else would morons like you NOT limit their foolishness? I have a tender heart too, but not for people who overload and abuse our system and clearly, going out to eat on the back of taxpayers IS ABUSE. If you don’t see it, then I think you are on the wrong board and are just trolling AGAIN to stir the pot. I get so sick and tired of liberals telling ME what I should do with MY MONEY. It is so shameful and pathetic and has NOTHING TO DO WITH BEING CHARITABLE. It has everything to do with socialism. YOU are pathetic.

      Report Post » I support God's Israel!  
    • writeitnow09
      Posted on September 11, 2011 at 8:03pm

      I’m not sure of the official breakdown (although I’m sure the government tracks these data points). I CAN tell you that I used to see lots of junk food being purchased with food stamps (back in the days when food stamps were issued in those “convenient” little coupon books). At the other end of the spectrum, however, were those who used food stamps to purchase steak, shrimp and other luxury items.

      I have 5 proposals I think would go a long way towards reducing the long-term use of federal food programs:
      – Require those using food stamps to pass a monthly drug test
      – Force food stamp recipients to perform 20 hours of community service every month (with exceptions for the elderly and those with physical handicaps)
      – Make food stamp recipients do monthly work searches (similar to requirements for those receiving unemployment benefits)
      – Consolidate federal or federally funded aid to be considered as part of a benefits package (WIC, food stamps, school lunch programs, etc,) to prevent double and triple dipping at the government trough
      – Use food vouchers (similar to a check) that would require positive identification prior to use as a means of stigmatizing those feeding off the labor of others

      These proposals are tough love to long-term, habitual users of government services. Too tough? I don’t think so.

      Report Post » writeitnow09  
  • Oh Please
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:28am

    Food stamps are to help people survive they’re problem in the short term. Food stamps should be limited to the purchase of Fresh Veggies, Fresh Fruit, Milk, Eggs, Beef, Chicken, Fish, Bread, Butter/Margarine, Oatmeal/Cereal.

    Report Post » Oh Please  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:57am

      Exactly. I’m tired of people on government assistance who have better phones than I can afford as a worker. I think they should regulate it like they do WIC. Only healthy foods, no junk, no tobacco, no restaurants, no gas. If they don’t want big government deciding what they can eat, let them get a job and get off the assistance. They buy junk because they don’t want to cook. I’ve been on WIC with both my kids. I think they need to add fresh fruits/veggies to WIC, but if you qualify for WIC, it doesn’t mean you qualify for food stamps. Right now, to my knowlege, they give you food stamps, and you can spend it on almost anything that’s edible. I remember back in the 70′s when it was actually stamps, I would see people bring a $5 food stamp in for a pack of gum and get change in cash. They’d then buy cigarettes. Takers will always find a way to game the system. Make it hard.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:17am

      Exactly foodstamps should have restrictions like the WIC program that only allows certain items to be purchased.

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:19am

      food stamps should go back to being food stamps not a credit card. People who use them shouldn’t be spared the embarrassment of using them. That embarrassment should used as a modivator to get off the program

      Report Post »  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:22am

      .
      The only place they won’t be accepted are the top steak houses in Washington.
      Congress doesn’t want to mingle with the “smelly” Americans.

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • zymogene
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:51pm

      Years and years ago food stamps were like WIC. You only got what the “coupon” said…you couldn’t get any sugared cereals or prepared foods.etc. Then they changed to dollar amount and at first even those were limited to basic staples. Then the card..and now it seems to cover anything. I’ve seen both, responsible shoppers and those who load up on beer and chips. Heck, at one place I lived, I think it was the salvation army or something, who gave gift cards to welfare parents so they could get new school uniforms and shoes etc. for the kids, so they got “new” stuff instead of used or hand-me-downs…can’t think of one who bought a darn thing for the kids. They’d go to the school and get the free ones that were used and donated….while they spent it on themselves. You‘d think they’d monitor these things. So my vote is no on restaurants and such. Heck around here they feed the kids breakfast and lunch at school and don’t think they give less that amount from the food stamps and now restaurants? I’d like that extra money to blow on stuff I want too instead of wasting it on responsible things like food. lol Why not just give everybody food stamps and restaurant passes? Pelosi did say that stimulates the economy right? lol

      Report Post »  
  • prhdr
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:27am

    Government needs to get out of the way PERIOD!!!

    Report Post »  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 2:08pm

      It sounds like you endorse RON PAUL !!! He will set things straight.

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
  • V-MAN MACE
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:27am

    That ought to be up to the restaurant.

    I mean, food stamps are for…food.

    Did you know that there are 50 million people on food stamps?

    Imagine 50 million people in a food line every month religiously.

    Imagine ALL the black people in American (around 30 million), plus some hispanics and white people to make up the difference (another 20 million), and you get an idea of how many people are in a digital food line every month. Demograqphics are not to scale, of course, I’m just illustrating the massive amount of people recieving benefits.

    Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • randy
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:05am

      YOu really are an idiot aren’t you?

      Report Post » randy  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:19am

      Why is he an idiot Randy? Because he dares to have a different opinion than you? Your response was rude and uncalled for, there is no need for that. V-Man Mace presents a valid side to this argument without trolling or resorting to the kind of infantile name-calling that you do. Why not address his concerns?

      And before you jump me, I happen to disagree with him and feel food stamps or cards should only provide base staples such as flour sugar, rice, dried beans…Enough food so the recipient will not starve and no more.

      Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:00am

      I know I’m an idiot for resorting to free market economics and letting businesses decide whether to accept foodstamps or not.

      Silly me. I’m unamerican and unpatriotic. Pfft.

      The real demographics for that 50 million person food line is about half black, about half white, with hispanics and others making up the remainder…

      I do understand the concept of not allowing one to become comfortable in their poverty…

      But we do have foodstamp reform. You can only receive cash benefits for 36 months. You have to work at least 30hrs or volunteer 30hrs weekly to continue to receive cash benefits. You have to meet the criteria to get cash AND food, meaning you have to demonstrate that you earn less than the poverty level described for your family size. The paper stamps are gone, it’s all on government issued cards.

      I don’t like the whole idea of government running foodstamps and assistance in general, because I understand that they use it to trap people in poverty. I would much rather it be driven by real honest benevolent people in the private sector. Real philanthropy, not the calculating bribing these big corporations and families (you know who I mean) do.

      Those people are Eugenicists. They would LOVE to have everyone on public food so they can sterilize and genetically modify the population more efficiently in a centralized matrix.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Reavin
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:51am

      The major problem with the argument that food stamps can be used at a restaurant is the cost of service. It might only cost the restaurant $1 in supplies to make that $7 burger. The other $6 is for the service to cook and assemble it for you. Therein lies the problem. Like Dave Ramsey says “if you‘re broke the only time you need to see the inside of a restaurant is if you’re washing dishes and getting paid for it.”

      Now, I’m not going to be totalitarian and say food stamps should be banned and that everybody who uses them is some worthless lazy piece of trash. I’m also not going to agree that the problem is as easy as “just going and getting a job”… right now it’s not that easy to “just go get a job.”

      Report Post »  
    • cknapp
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 2:14pm

      I agree….during the Depression people saw others standing in line for food at soup kitchens, or in line at churches, and there were photos of soup lines in newspapers, so people were aware of how bad things are.

      Now, no one sees these people in line, the hars times are invisible, so they must not exist. I wonder if we are really in a Depression and do not know it.

      I checked the defination of “Recession” there are several, but one is “2 consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth” , I have to ask what happens after GDP declines and stays down for awhile, with no change from quarter to quarter, no recession…right?

      Also, we no longer count food or energy in the inflation basket, 2 things that everyone purchases every week.

      Oh yeah, as for unemployment, we no longer count certain jobs in the equation.

      I am quite sure we are worse off than we led to believe.

      Craig Knapp

      Report Post »  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:34pm

      Thats why they should have to wait in a food line….I bet less than 1/2 would stay on assistance

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
    • NoSocialistRetards
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:15pm

      Too much fraud. Stop the program altogether and give it back to the states. The fed is trying to bankrupt america what a beauitful unlimited way to do it fast. Fed has NO accountability they prove it over and over. People are claiming under differrent names since requiring ID is a crime. so they can go out or sell them off for a car payment.nails done ect, here’s your card have fun. These people don’t realize when they bankrupt the system for the fed that their will be zero money for them. Communists, Marxist do not fund such entitlements. Good Luck freeky people.

      Report Post »  
  • BOON_DOGGLE
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:27am

    NO! The intent for them (Food Stamps) “WAS” to provide a bridge for the families not o support them! The entire list of what they can be used for needs to be revamped. I do not understand why soda products are allowed.

    Report Post » BOON_DOGGLE  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:38am

      The intent of ever socialist boondogle is always spun as benign. It never works out as it was sold. Food stamps are an atrocity. If you want charity, go to a church food pantry.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:26am

    Oh, hell no!!!! They already get coke classic and twinkies on food stamps. If they can’t afford to buy the basics, WTH should they be given the choice to spend a lot more for the same crappy dinner at Chilis??

    Report Post » biohazard23  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:46am

      Giving food stamps to people is a mark of a civilized society. limiting purchases to wholesome fresh foods is puritanical and mean spuirited.[typical right wing americanism. Great idea to allow food stamps in restaurants.]

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:00am

      I wonder what Michelle Obama, the food Czar would think of your idea, of it being a Republican thing? She wants to regulate regular Americans, but let the ones on food stamps buy anything they want? Let it be like WIC, where they tell you what you can buy. If you don’t like it, get a job and buy what you want to buy.

      Report Post »  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:04am

      Giving people in need a HAND UP and not a HAND OUT is the mark of a civilized society. Removing all incentive for folks to have a sense of personal responsibility and accountability is a sign of a mucked up society. Going out to dinner at Chilis, Outback, Red Lobster, or Ruth’s Chris is NOT A RIGHT, it’s a PRIVILEGE and taxpayers should not be forced to pay for it.

      Just go put on your burqa, sweetie, and let the Big People talk, OK?

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:05am

      LoriAnn, AMEN!!!!

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • randy
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:08am

      @ROSE-ELLEN you really are one sick BIt@h.

      Report Post » randy  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:18am

      rose-ellen

      Yeah, we want em fat and deaded, eh? Are you having a problem counting calories? At one time I too thought a ding dong was a health food. lol

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • Truthbeliever2
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:52am

      Rose-Ellen you socialist WHORE! Please step in front a speeding public transportation vehicle.

      Thanks. :)

      Report Post » Truthbeliever2  
    • 4truth2all
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:59am

      Rose, Rose, Rose:
      You might have a good heart though misplaced….
      There are ways that seem right to a man,
      but in the end lead to destruction.
      A Proverb of the bible.

      Another one… If a man does not work, then he should not eat.
      But then…. God is mean!

      Report Post »  
    • Obama_Sham
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 11:08am

      @ Rose-Ellen

      “Giving food stamps to people is a mark of a civilized society.”

      No, people being charitable and giving to and/or helping the needy is a mark of a civilized society… Government taking from some and giving to others is robbery… You seriously need to rethink your terms of “civilized society”…

      Report Post » Obama_Sham  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:52pm

      @Rose
      Who is it that raises tens of Millions of dollars, almost overnight, for MDA research….hmm… Fema?
      hmm… FDA ? some government agency?
      NO !!!!
      People DO !!!!!

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • NoSocialistRetards
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:21pm

      Food Stamps are redistribution of wealth for criminals who don’t want to work.

      Report Post »  
    • phil65
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 5:38am

      rose-ellen
      Sorry but giving food stamps is not the mark of a civilized society, the food stamp program may have started out as a good program to tide people over during rough times, but now it is combined with the welfare system and used as a way of life. When you use your government issued credit card for anything other than basic staples you are just screwing the taxpayer who is paying for it.

      Report Post »  
    • jaylew
      Posted on September 9, 2011 at 2:33pm

      Rose Ellen…what exactly do you mean by Puritanical? Since you are a chronic apologist of all things fundamentally islamic…I think you just shot yourself in the head…or in jihadist terms….you have managed to be-head yourself. Perhaps a real first in the history of this skirmish. Your constant support and defense of fundamental islam defends the mutilation of little girls private parts so their eventual old goat toothless husbands don’t have to worry about the little girls “straying” to seek pleasure. If there is anything more Puritanical than that…please let us all know….but you won’t be able to..because you literally just chopped off your own head.

      Report Post » jaylew  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:26am

    Why do you keep asking me silly questions?

    Not only NO, but HELL NO! They already have ways of abusing them that need to be corrected, why do this when that is failing?

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:25am

    NO, We feed a lot of kids two meals a day at school while their parents gets food stamps and use them for other things. Spending it a restaurant party in not what they are for. BASIC FOODS ONLY

    Report Post »  
    • Wayne
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:52am

      If you take the blacks, illegals off food stamps that would solve the problem. Some blacks have been on food stamps for generations and will stay on and live of whitie.

      Report Post »  
    • NoSocialistRetards
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 6:24pm

      Get illegals off food stamps they are not due any entitlements.

      Report Post »  
  • one years food ration like glenn says
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:25am

    There should the question ” should there be mandatory drug testing to receive food stamps ?” That question is an important one and one I would’ve answered yes to.

    Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:28am

      I agree with this person. It should be a requirement. Good ideal. JIMHO

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:30am

      Before you get the audacity to try to address the drug issue from the ground level where users abuse and pushers push, why don’t you start at the border with your own corrupt federal government THAT YOUR TAX DOLLARS SUPPORT that is trafficking ALL the illicit drugs into the US from abroad, and then targetting the end user and locking them up in banker owned prison complexes doing slave labor, undercutting competition.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • t00nces2
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:32am

      Staples. No potato chips. No cookies. No frozen pizza.

      Bread. Meat. Potatoes. Canned veggies. Eggs. Peanut butter…

      Report Post »  
    • one years food ration like glenn says
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:57am

      @V-MAN MACE.. Did you ever hear of the words “ just say no ” ?? All they have to do is say NO.. It’s that simple. Course how can I explain that to a liberal ?? It’s a mental disorder you know…

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:23am

      Do you understand how much more bureaucracy and cost to the taxpayer the drug testing would require? And the drug users would just find a way around it. This is one of those deals that look good on paper and at first sight, but think it through…Better to just reform the broken welfare system.

      Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:31am

      Who hasn’t heard that propaganda?

      I grew up listening to that garbage.

      I smoke marijuana nearly everyday.

      Stop telling me what to do. You‘re not the boss of me and you’re not my parent or guardian. It’s that simple.

      Mind your business, Nancy Reagan.

      But how can I explain that to a Neocon who wants to project their values and morals onto the population at large?

      BTW, I’m a Libertarian. Not a liberal.

      Get a clue. Not everyone who believes in personal, financial, and religious freedom wants to project their ideals onto the world.

      Some of us just want to be left the hell alone.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 10:40am

      This is for idiots who think they’re part of a special team…

      Liberals aren’t the only smokers of marijuana.

      The Tea Party ought to be called the Green Tea Party, because the freedom they wanted for their brown tea is the same freedom I want with my Green Tea.

      If we start a party of marijuana smokers, we could beat ANY PARTY.

      MOST Americans smoke marijuana, but only so many are willing to admit it so they can remain your friend without you calling them a liberal, a pothead, a this, a that. And so they don’t have to call you a square.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 5:40pm

      Government has no business telling people what they can consume (or smoke), but it also has no business in providing it for them either. People who choose to do drugs should be left alone unless they bring harm to others, people on food stamps should only be given the bare essentials, only healthy staple foods. The sad part is, it would cost more to provide fresh vegies than the garbage they are choosing for themselves…

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
  • rambosharley
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:25am

    That’s a HELL NO from me!

    Report Post »  
  • tobywil2
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:25am

    With the trillion $ stimulus program enriching Obama‘s cronies why should we be concerned about how the poor spends the crumbs that escape Obama’a cronies? See a cartoon exposing Obama’s objective, click on http://commonsense21c.com/images/MIDDLEAGES.jpg

    Report Post » tobywil2  
  • drbage
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:25am

    Food stamps like federal assistance started out as a hand up, not a hand out, but now tend to be used as the hammer of subservience. In some areas, school age children get free breakfast, lunch, and dinner at school….are the food stamps reduced since 15/21 meals are already provided? Many college attending students are getting food stamps…..instead of going to Harvard or Yale, go to a state run school and you’ll have plenty of money for food. This is yet another example of a good intentioned “federal family” program that has been abused and exploited!

    Report Post »  
  • taxedout
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:24am

    They shouldn‘t be allowed to buy crabs with em either but I’ve seen it done. It ****** me off I can‘t always afford to buy MD Blue Crabs and me and my husband work but welfare fr’s can buy them with food stamps I just don’t get it.

    Report Post » taxedout  
  • gator70
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:22am

    Using food stamps in a restaurant isn’t very economical since a restaurants mark up on food is higher than what you would purchase in a grocery store. If an individual requires food stamps they should be bound by certain regulations in order to be good stewards of tax payer money. No restaurants, no nicotine, no alchohol, and no gas.

    Report Post »  
    • one years food ration like glenn says
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:28am

      @GATOR70.. I think they are talking about Mcdonalds dollar menu when they are saying restaurants. Not a 5 star restaurant.. Course I could be wrong, but that’s how I take it.. I voted NO, to that question anyway..

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 9:04am

      Eating out is a luxury. Why should these people on hand-outs be allowed luxuries on my dime? We workers and tax payers pay for those food stamps that they get handed out to them because they’re too lazy to work. I saw it in my hometown. Big strapping young men who could have easily gotten a job working on the Mississippi River, who chose to be 3rd generation welfare recipients.

      Report Post »  
  • grudgywoof
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:22am

    No but Oblabla would let his supporters use them to buy crack if it would get their vote.

    Report Post » grudgywoof  
  • jcldwl
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:22am

    No

    Report Post » jcldwl  
  • angelcat
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:22am

    Absolutely not! People can get much more for their money (stamps) by buying and cooking their own meals. Eating out is just one of the sacrifices you should have to make when you are relying on the government to help feed your family. That is NOT cruel. Many people who are not on food stamps never or rarely eat out because they can’t afford it.

    Report Post »  
    • one years food ration like glenn says
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:37am

      You’re right for the price of one meal at a rest. you can make spaghetti and meatballs for 5, with left overs.. people don’t care .. I thought they were talking about the dollar menus though.. IDK ??

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
  • taxedout
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:21am

    Hell F’n NO!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » taxedout  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:25am

      HE77 NO!
      Infact food stamps should go back to being food stamps not a credit card. People who use them shouldn’t be spared the embarrassment of using them.

      Report Post »  
  • NJTMATO
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:21am

    Absolutely NOT! And…”The federal government pays for food stamps, but the programs are managed on a state level, with restrictions placed at the local level.” The FEDERAL GOVERNMENT doesn’t pay for food stamps WE DO!!!!!!!! That’s the problem with this “gimmie” stuff…Once you say “The Federal Government” it makes it SOUND like an entity unto itself that doles out dollars that belong to IT. This is absurd!

    Report Post » NJTMATO  
  • Speak without Fear
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:20am

    NO…NO….NO…NO……absolutely NOT. Food stamps should not be able to be used for dining out.

    Dining out should be a motivator for people to get a job……..

    I am NOT going to be happy if I am dining at OUTBACK STEAK House…..and the table next to me is using FOODSTAMPS……I PAY FOR…….for a PRime Rib Dinner.

    In all honesty it is going to TICK me off …..even talking about the idea of it does.

    Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:19am

    .
    No and they should have to buy no label items in a special store. I hate it when I’m in line and someone with a buggy full pulls out that LoneStar card. Wife hate’s it to cause I start talking smack to them, several have just left the line.

    Put down the cigs, cellphone, & the new car in the parking lot and buy your kids some food and clothes…………….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • Joisey
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:16am

    No way! Food stamps are for food essentials, not entertainment and partying.

    Report Post » Joisey  
  • Joisey
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:15am

    Hell NO!

    Report Post » Joisey  
    • pscully17
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:16am

      tell you what, Ill open my kitchen and feed you in exchnage for your food stamps.. come on over.

      Report Post »  
  • itsmyfirstday
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:13am

    No!

    Report Post » itsmyfirstday  
  • BrerRabbit
    Posted on September 8, 2011 at 8:12am

    I sure my answer is HELL NO!

    Report Post »  
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