Should Food Stamps Be Used for Fast Food?
- Posted on December 1, 2011 at 10:17pm by
Becket Adams
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Yum Brands, the fast food giant behind Taco Bell and KFC, was pushing to have food stamp benefits useable at their restaurants. With the company’s revenue falling 7.9 percent last year, Yum was looking to get a piece of the multi-billion dollar pie that is the food stamps consumer market.
[Author's note: allowing food stamp usage should not to be confused with allowing the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. "So far, California, Arizona, Michigan, Florida and Kentucky allow EBT meal purchases at state-approved restaurants," reports Spare Change News.]
Food stamp use has been on the rise since the economic downturn in 2008, with over 45 million Americans using the program in August. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), one of several food benefits programs nationwide, alone distributed $64.4 billion to food stamps users.
However, given that one of SNAP’s stated goals is to provide “nutrition assistance,“ the idea of subsidizing thousands of KFC ”Double-Downs” was met with opposition.
I can’t imagine why . . .
“Why should the government underwrite the cost of junk food for people on food stamps, leading to increased rates of obesity?” writes Jay Miller of the Journal Sentinel. “It is just as perverse to have the government subsidize the cost of junk food for people on food stamps as it would be to help pay for cigarettes or booze. The logic – if not the intent – defies all understanding.”
As a part of the health-concerned backlash against Yum’s lobbying efforts, 3 of the 4 states Yum approached have declined, and Ohio will not make a decision until 2013 at the earliest.
After being turned down by the various states, Yum decided to abandon their efforts to allow food stamps at their establishments.
The USDA reiterated its position against food stamp usage at fast food restaurants, saying that the program should promote access to “healthy foods” only.
Some might feel compelled to argue that the government has no place dictating which foods food stamp recipients can purchase. But others might say that since the program costs taxpayers $60 billion annually, if food stamp users really need their fix of breakfast burritos, they might consider making the purchase on their own dime.
In short, beggars can’t be choosers.
What do you think?
[Editor’s note: portions of the above originally appeared on Wall St. Cheat Sheet.]
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Comments (238)
Robert-CA
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:55pmI voted NO .
Report Post »NOBAMA201258
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:49amThe recipients should at least have to cook their food,plus they would get more if the food comes unprepared from a supermarket instead of the fast food fat factories
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 4:39amWhy not make the teat suckers WORK for the food like I do? I dont give a flying rats ass if they starve. But they would not starve, they would finally get off their butts, put down their iPhones and Xboxes and go to work.
Report Post »Elena2010
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:52pmFood stamps should be more like WIC – voucher for items, not blank check for T-bones. Include toilet paper and soap, exclude junk food. The vouchers should go to grocery stores not convenience stores.
No more free breakfast and lunch at school — that’s why we give you food stamps!
If you are on food stamps, then you WILL attend and take notes in food handling and preparation classes as well as be given counseling on what constitutes a healthy diet. NO MORE FUNDING OBESITY. You wanna be fat — buy it on your own dime, not mine!
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:55pmBreakfast and lunch at school might be the only meals that kids get. I’m ok with my tax dollars going for this.
Report Post »booger71
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:20amMimi
Report Post »Fine, if you want to pay for this, but i don’t
Mimi24
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:39am@Bogger71. Really. You are ok with kids going hungry? You could hear their little tummies growl and be ok with that? Eat yor lunch and not care if kids in the US have food?
Report Post »SchoolEmployee
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:48amMimi,
Report Post »Come to a school and see how much food these poor starving kids throw away each day. When asked about throwing out good food, they say they don’t care, it’s free.
mydh12
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 2:09amThey should be getting rice and pinto beans, powdered milk and surplus cheese. There is no reason why they should be spending our money in restaurants. I don‘t go to restaurants because I can’t afford it myself. Why should people on welfare go to them?
Report Post »jaxson
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 4:30amI know a lady who gets food stamps and i seen her at the store, we chatted in line while she put on the counter a brimed full cart of steaks and fresh crab..there was nothing else in her cart, just full of expencive meats…i must have had a strange look on my face and she said she was on the “Adkins diet”…. it bothered me so much because i couldnt remember the last time i had fresh crab, so the next day i went and bought the smallest package i could find for 10 bucks with my hard earned cash…i always wondered what her 3 kids ate that month….and i was a bit ticked that she could eat like that but i couldnt because i earned my money….
Report Post »ZeroOff4impact
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:52pmDollar menu at Wendy’s ..
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:49pmGuessing you don’t care much what the children get to eat. How was your lunch? You full? Kids are going to bed hungry. But sleep well.
Report Post »jrbrad1
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:45pmNo!
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:45pmOk. Come up with a menu plan at $30.00 a month. Even for one person. I want to hear it. Go ahead.
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:37pmPoint of Contention:
Should we be focusing our attention on the broke people on food stamps, or rather on the Giant Corporation that is lobbying to make money at taxpayer expense?
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:52pmWhy don’t we focus on hungry kids ? They can‘t help what parents do or don’t do. Enjoy your steak.
Report Post »Societal Misfit
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:28pmSorry but hell no. Food stamps need to be used for necessary goods only (groceries) and sorry but fast food is not a necessity.
Report Post »Restored One
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:34pmDamn, that picture from KFC looks friking good. My husband always say NFC for dinner (No F’n Chicken again) but he would eat that thing.
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:43pmI don‘t like that you can’t buy soap, laundry detergent or deodorant with food stamps though. Those are needed for human dignity.
Report Post »The10thAmendment
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:50pmI think all social programs like food stamps are detrimental, but if it can worked in a negative tax basis on a STATE level, the massive crisis of the dole and illegals gaining benefit anchors can be driven back. We don’t need to be heartless to promote work incentives.
But the idea of foodstamps at fast food restaurants, um no, that’s a stupid idea.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:28pmObama the food stamp President!!! … H* ll NO!!!
While his wifey is telling the rest of us what to eat??? H* ll NO!
You want “easy” (fast) food .. get a job and buy it!
Food stamps should only be for emergency use .. and they need to go back to “food stamps” not these cards that look like credit cards .. make it “uncomfortable” for them to use them.
TEA!
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:51pmThe cards are cheaper and easier to manage. Because the money is digital and tied to a specific account, it could also allow the government to track the purchases of individuals using the card. This was not possible with actual “stamps.”
Texas uses the “Lone-Star Card” for welfare assistance. You are NOT allowed to buy anything except FOOD with it (not even toilet paper). Also, you cannot withdraw cash from the card, and only the person who is issued the card is allowed to use it. It is very effective.
Report Post »Elena2010
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:56pmNot so fast — I live in Texas. I’ve seen soda and chips bought on them at a convenience store. I have a landlord friend who says his renters go buy high end stuff, then they turn around and sell it out of the back of their pickup.
No vouchers for basic needs, training on how to prepare it, and nutrition classes. If I have to be your nanny, I will be a Nazi-Nanny!
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:10am@Elana2010: True, the card can be used to purchase junk food at grocery and convenience stores (a loophole that could be fixed). However, regardless of what system you use–even if you gave them the food directly–they could always sell the product or exchange it for something else. The only way to prevent this would be to stand by and actually watch them EAT the food you give them…now THAT would be the ultimate Nazi-Nanny!
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:27pmLet’s ask the First “Lady!”
Report Post »CatB
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:38pm“Lady” …lol … I hope that means that you as I do not consider her as such! ;-)
Let them eat arugula like she advocates for those of us not using food stamps.
TEA!
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:42pm@CATB – It do!!
Report Post »HELLRAZOR
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:25pmThat wouldn’t be healthy …. Food Stamps should used for healthty foods NOT sodas, candy , chips & etc.!
Report Post »Go to a Wal – Mart on the 1st of the month & see what these people buy with thier food stamps!
The10thAmendment
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:22pmFood Stamps should be eliminated except for EVERY purpose other than emergency help up. If they are given out for any other reason the recipients should have to work at a State appointed job, no matter what the job is, raking parks, painting fences, whatever.
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:25pmSARCASM: Give the government incentive to keep people poor…FREE LABOR! Yes, I see this one working out well…
Report Post »The10thAmendment
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:36pmIt’s actually something first suggested by Milton Freeman, and ONLY in cases where people show a concerted effort and need a hand up rather than a handout. It wouldn’t be a Federal Program period. States would retain sole decision making for who is in need, and who are simply lazy slugs, like the VAST majority currently on welfare benefits period.
It would also be a disincentive for illegals who KNOW the federal slop trough won’t run them away, to stay the hell out of the Country.
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:59pmOPINION: Throwing illegal immigration into the mix is a red-herring argument. The only assistance these criminals should be able to receive from the government is a one-way ticket back to where they came from…
However, I have another idea…force them to build a WALL between the US and Mexico, and when it is finished grant them citizenship as payment…
What do you think of that idea?
Report Post »The10thAmendment
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:21amAbsolutely not. They are here illegally, and they are a huge reason why so many American’s are out of work. Illegal means illegal. No assistance and no amnesty for criminals.
Report Post »SEOhio
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 10:04amMost states do require them to work them off, BUT here’s the kicker …. they get GAS vouchers so they can go paint or rake!!! The whole system is insane!
Report Post »Stop giving them to the individual and give them to the food banks or churches. Let them buy the essentals to give out! And this does not mean STEAK or LOBSTER! I’m serieous … I have seen them buying it first hand. While I’m buying one chicken breast to cut in half to feed my husband and myself.
I swear the welfare people live better than alot of most. Between the food stamps, cash, phones (multiple!), heap, wic, ssi for bums that are too fat. It can’t keep going! The workers are getting tired of paying for it!
Risagx6
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:21pmOh my God NO! The food stamps should be used to purchase healthy foods only!
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:28pmI agree…to a point…but who gets to define HEALTHY? No, I think it better to simply have a list of items people are NOT allowed to purchase–like beer and cigarettes, and a list of places they are NOT allowed to buy from–like restaruants and fastfood joints…
Report Post »JohnQTaxpayer
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:20pmAsk the Chinese it is their money, Hey there chairman Who can we give our poor trash happy meals and beer with your money?
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:32pmI understand your frustration with “borrowing” money from China, but your comment adds nothing to the discussion about whether or not the government assistance can effectively help the poor.
Report Post »reform
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 5:10amIt’s funny that this came up, just the other day I came home from shopping and told my mother there was this guy there with a half an arm that was trying to sell me $60 of food stamps for $20 cash. I come home after confronting the guy inside the store hoping to embarrass him and lo and behold he is knocking on the doors of my neighbors asking them if he can paint the house numbers on the curbs for $20. When I let some of them know what it happened in the grocery store they were angry at this person, for most of them said they felt sorry for him because he had lost half an arm, and he put the pity angle to good work. So no if the welfare department wants to feed the kids then by all means give them the food in the large cans you know the ones that just say corn or beans on them powdered milk and instant breakfast and some cheese. If they don’t want to accept that then they can go down to the Salvation Army or any other outlets that supply food to eat harsh maybe reality definitely.
Report Post »PeachyinGA
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:19pmHere is an answer that the FLOTUS should agree with …. NO!
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:28pmThere ya go!
Report Post »garbagecanlogic
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:19pmNot only NO! But HELL NO!
The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
Report Post »The U.N. Out Of The U.S.
SEOhio
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:40amMost definatly!
Report Post »PATRIOTGRUNT
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:14pmSure why not . They are currently used to buy Booze , Drugs , Sex , Filet Mignons , Big Screen TV and what ever else the “ Poor ” need.
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:30pmUm…NO…it varies from state to state, but where I come from purchases are limited to food ONLY…you can’t even get toilet paper with food stamps…
Report Post »Restored One
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:30pmThe food stamps are not food stamps anymore. The Govt doesn’t have the time to go back to sending these people the Dairy Coupon, Veggy Coupon, Meat Coupon etc. Today the Govt opens up an account (at BofA) and issues you a debit card. You can withdraw cash and use the debit card anywhere. My sister was in line behind someone with one of these cards and he was 70 cents short on a pack of smokes, so he reached into his pocket for the balance and they would not take the change. The card will not allow a multiple pay. Had there been 70 cents in the account, he would have been able to buy the smokes. Go figure! Same with Unemployment Compensation.
Report Post »1casawizard
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:42am@ PATRIOTGRUNT. If it’s used for booze, drugs, sex, Why don’t you report it?
Report Post »PATRIOTGRUNT
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:37am@ WEBLAZY&1CASAWIZARD : Especially @ 1CSA bla bla bla. Hey moron why don’t you report it. You are too stupid to know that there are ways to get around every government regulation. it is called BARTER . It means “ I Will Give You This For That ” EBT cards are no different than Debit Cards. If there is money in the account you can withdraw cash or what ever.
Report Post »reform
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 4:42amApparently most on this site have never worked for a major grocery chain, back in the day they used to have a photo card and then a booklet with ones and fives. Now being behind the register if you asked to see the ID and they created a fuss like the excuse I left it at home which was about 99% of the time, then they have to see the manager in charge and 99% of the time the manager would say take them. Because they don’t want to embarrass the customer no matter if that customer had the proper rights to the food stamps on top of that the purchases that I myself could not afford like the shrimp the filet steaks, the crabmeat the lobsters any other high-end ticket items. And if you were the cashier and refused you at risk to lose your job even in a union shop 36 years I put up with this. Mimi the question is why do we have so many children going hungry? Is it not the responsibility of the man and woman that brought this child into the world, like our parents did and their parents did even in the Great Depression.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:14pmNo. They should be used for groceries that will make ore than one meal. Common sense.
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:33pmI work all day and I have to cook so why shouldn’t they have to? I’m thankful to have food though. Very thankful.
Report Post »garyM
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:13pmno
Report Post »PeachyinGA
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:17pmNo
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:20pmWould you please try to post more concise opinions? Your stand is a little fuzzy.
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:22pmtriple no…
Report Post »PeachyinGA
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:25pm@82, ok … Hell No
Report Post »Mimi24
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:37pmOr, as Madea would say. Hell to the no.
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:13pmi think they should add weekly or monthly community service hours to ALL those on the dole
let them do something for those freebies, thus making it an earned assistance program schooling, training, job education programs, internships etc etc and for the truly lazy, who choose none of the first options to better themselves, put them to work cleaning up around town
nothing feels as rewarding as sweat of accomplishment
Report Post »wbalzley
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:23pmSARCASM: Aaaaah bringing back poor houses and work camps…THOSE were the days!
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:19am@ WB
they would have the choice of one of the programs i listed, and if they refused, litter patrol seems fitting
why should they enjoy the fruits of others labor for doing nothing in return ?
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:12pmWell let me think. Give me a minute. Almost there……. HELL NO!!!!!
Report Post »Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:12pmAn Elderly Couple eating off of a Dollar menu? It would save money.. 12 kids,Momma and one of the Babies’ daddy? They will be at the food bank or Salvation Army inside of 2 weeks. Before everyone starts screaming OBESITY EPIDEMIC! I Do not know many Skinny folks who are not the Working poor on food stamps. After they waste all their stamps in 2 weeks on Fast food,that leaves 2 weeks of little left to eat off of.It May even lead to weight loss.
Report Post »Larry_Waters
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:10pmCan we still get the happy meal toy ?
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:06pmWhy the hell not? This country is bankrupt. Give the poor saps Happy Meals til the money runs out.
Report Post »ShyLow
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:04pmOnly if they put a guy with a top-hat and eye-peice on them
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