Business

Watch Beck’s Epic Radio Segment After Hearing Taxpayer-Funded Food Stamp Ads

Maybe you’ve heard food stamp public service announcements before. Maybe you haven’t. But when Glenn Beck did on Tuesday, he couldn’t contain himself.

Beck’s co-host Pat Gray brought up the commercials on Beck’s radio show. While the commercials have been around since 2008 — with the help of your tax dollars — the Beck radio team couldn’t resist having some fun with the spots after Gray heard them in the car recently.

In the taxpayer-funded radio commercials, you can hear paid actors talk about how they are “making a healthy meal together with a little help from SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program],” or how the program “helps you eat right when money’s tight.”

What did Beck have to say? You’ll have to watch the segment to see, but it includes Beck doing his own mock version of the ads:

 

Here’s a shorter version via GBTV:

Back in March, a Fox News panel debated whether or not the radio spots are helpful. That is to say, do they actually help the destitute or are they simply encouraging more people to sign up for government assistance? Watch it below:

But while the commercials lend themselves to humor, the facts do not. Considering the recent explosion in participation the incredibly expensive entitlement program has seen over the last decade, are glorifying radio ads really the best idea things right now?

Beck reacts to food stamp ads: Help me Eat Right When Moneys TightClick to enlarge

This story has been updated.

Comments (52)

1 2
  • LaBelle
    Posted on May 30, 2012 at 3:19am

    I listen to several radio stations on iheart radio and I can tell you that there are so MANY government “help” ads running that it’s pathetic. I’ve never heard so many ads from the government in my entire life. WGST in GA is a good start if anyone is interested in hearing them.

    Report Post » LaBelle  
  • cosmic dogma
    Posted on May 30, 2012 at 2:32am

    My Grandparents talked about the great depression. They made it through OK, by hunting and canning and gardening. I always thought it would never happen again. Guess what? It is here and now, not as severe yet, but will be if we continue on this path. People I know who have led good, honest lives are really hurting now. They are on food stamps, and can’t pay property taxes. Regular people, not people who have made terrible life decisions, just regular people are needing welfare. When will this end? The people who work can’t possibly support the numbers of people on public assistance. Capitalism is a wonderful system, it must be left to breath and grow and change and yes, some businesses will cease, but others will be created. Otherwise we would all be driving around in buggies, but we aren’t because there was no government interference in the marketplace deciding which businesses would live or die. Healthy capitalism requires freedom to properly function. We will all be poorer and poorer until free capitalism exists again. Until then, more food stamps and poverty for average people, more caviar and champagne for the politicians in power.

    Report Post »  
  • bmel
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 11:55pm

    just great SNAP adds run every morning on local stations WHY???? EVERY tom ricardo and Harry knows the scams. why advertise to make us all depenent on GUBMNET-it‘ll take away every bit of our fredom if we don’t all stop it.

    Report Post »  
  • EZrider12
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 8:57pm

    When ever you have a government program such as this food stamp program, you will also need over-site committees, regulatory committees, transparency people,…etc. It just means all that much more government. Not a good idea.
    Americans have become too weak. To the point of not even being able to think for themselves.
    Wake up America!

    Report Post » EZrider12  
    • Bryan B
      Posted on May 30, 2012 at 12:21am

      It’s just not Food Stamps or even entitlement programs, the entire system is broken. When economy was good, the Federal, State and Local governments stuck their hands into every business through License, Permits, Fees and Taxes. They all wanted a payday from everyone elses success, through their work or owening a business.
      All the governments License, Permits, Fees and Taxes, are still there. So when independent people, want start a business, because they lost their job, they can’t, the cost of all the License, Permits, Fees and Taxes, are tremendous, and cost is more then the business it-self.

      I know small business owners right now, that are living in their business, some with their familys,all hanging on by their finger-nails. But the government still gets paid for all their License, Permits, Fees and Taxes.
      Governments needs to back off from the people. But they don’t, all the governments does is create more License, Permits, Fees and Taxes.

      If things continue this way, we all will never see another Bill Gates again….

      Report Post » Bryan B  
  • SFsuper49er
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 8:22pm

    So now do you think all the food stamp issues brought up in the debates were a lie? I think not !

    Report Post »  
  • DGuy
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 8:07pm

    My wife did NOT grow up in America.

    In her country they had NO ‘food stamps’ for able bodied people. If you were able but did not try to work – You got nothing from the Gov…

    Long story short here: When my wife was about 10 yrs old or so she bought a few baby chicks and a several lbs of feed for them for CHEAP. As they grew up, she sold eggs to friends and neighbors to help pay for the feed and other costs to raise those chickens but the rest of the eggs went to feed her family… She learned to make do with what she had and provide for herself and her family WITHOUT depending on someone else or her Gov to provide for her… With the small amount of money she invested in the very beginning to buy those chicks and feed – The only other thing she had to do was a little work to turn that into a LOT of food for her family. My girl learned to ‘do for herself’ and NOT look for a handout from ANYONE… In the past – Americans did that as well…

    My girl grew up learning about a thing called ‘Pride’ and she would NEVER ask anyone for help if she was not in desparate need of assistance. I am lucky to have her and glad she did NOT grow up in a place run by Obama…

    Report Post »  
    • Bryan B
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 8:36pm

      @DGuy

      Obviously you have never herd of the U.S.Department of Agriclture, because they will shut you down for doing that here….President Obama and the government (Federal, State and Local) doesn’t want people to be independent…..

      Report Post » Bryan B  
    • EZrider12
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 8:48pm

      That’s right. It’s programs like this that makes Americans weak. But that’s how the government wants Americans. They can’t take our guns (tho not for a lack of trying) we use to defend ourselves, so they weaken us mentally by getting us used to being dependent on the government. This has been going on for decades.

      Report Post » EZrider12  
    • spikebu
      Posted on May 30, 2012 at 4:27am

      I checked out the price of a dozen store bought (store brand) eggs today. They were $1.99 ON SALE! We have kept chickens for years. They are incredibly easy. We’ve made a portable coop. When weeds get big enough in one area, we move the coop there, no more weeds (no more grass, either, but it’s Bermuda. You can’t kill it.). 6 hens supply my family and 3 of my neighbors. I once heard the freshest egg you’ll get in a grocery store is three months old. I don‘t know if it’s true. My Hollendaise Sauce is closer to orange than yellow. The stuff I get in a restaurant looks anemic to me. 1 hen = 1 egg/day. That’s with lay pellets. When there’s a rooster present, they tend to produce more eggs. Next project is a system to feed the hens. Throw in meat scraps, out crawl fly larvae (yeah, maggots), they drop into a tray and the hens are happy and full. So are we, cause we’re not buying as much feed. Food for thought.

      Report Post »  
    • Jimmielynn
      Posted on May 30, 2012 at 8:38am

      Spikebu – That is great that you can do that; however, many of us live in places where that is not possible, either in apartments or in my case a neighborhood in the city limits where “livestock” is not allowed. We do have a garden replete with tomatoes, bell peppers, cantaloupe, zuchinni and squash. Every little bit helps and it is nice to have enough to share. I think that it is great that you share with your neighbors. :)

      Report Post »  
  • Bryan B
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 8:06pm

    I wish President Obama and his Administration would put this much effort, in to getting people back to work in our country,as to putting them on Food Stamps.

    We just learned a few weeks ago that Albertsons a national grocery/retail store is closing, and that will mean 150 more people on unemployment and food stamps in just my area. 20 stores state wide are closing adding around 3000 more to the rolls.

    We need to get people back to work…….

    Report Post » Bryan B  
  • gr8t2bfree
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 6:30pm

    Some ido_t tried to buy a bicycle at Wally world last week and had the cahones to argue with the manager about it!

    Report Post » gr8t2bfree  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 7:14pm

      Money… Script or Token… has no Product Loyalty!

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • gr8t2bfree
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 6:28pm

    Some idiot tried to buy a bicycle in Wal Mart with food stamps last week! Had the balls to argue with the manager about it!

    Report Post » gr8t2bfree  
  • Jimmielynn
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 6:22pm

    I work in child welfare and see the abuse every day. I see people use them for candy bars and sodas at the convenience store. What is most infuriating is when parents have to place their kids out of the home and continue to receive food stamps and don’t turn them over to the people caring for their kids. When asked to, they respond, “what about me? I need to eat.” If their kids are legally removed, they are more upset about losing their food stamps, housing, and TANF than losing their kids. Oh, and the SSI that they get because they have had their kid diagnosed with ADHD. The system is seriously broken.

    Report Post »  
  • marybethelizabeth
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 5:58pm

    This is just more evidence that Mr. Beck does not live in the here and now.
    He an elitist. One of the uber wealthy.
    He does not have a clue what America is really like.

    Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • liberalsruseless
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 6:22pm

      Yeah he does, the liberals are making slaves out of the lower classes. Many of these folks will not advance themselves or take a chance on a small business or entry level job because they do not want to lose their welfare benefits.

      Those who cannot support themselves deserve help, those who won’t support themselves should be kicked to the curb.

      Here’s an idea! Think with your brains, not your emotions

      Report Post »  
    • Lunertic
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 6:27pm

      Marybeth? May I suggest your watching the video again. You didn’t listen very well.

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 7:16pm

      Before the Barry, foodstamps were for emergency only. Now with Barry’s depression going on , many people need food stamps so they can afford bigger big screen tv’s and better cell phones

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • ojyllek
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 5:53pm

    Everyone needs to remember that ARRA funds went to give extra SNAP benefits, or to lower the threshold for receiving them, etc. That can account for at least some of the increase in the last few years.
    But, as we all know, once a social program is started (or in this case expanded) it is likely to never be taken away or go back to the more stringent requirements.

    Report Post »  
    • liberalsruseless
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 6:23pm

      Only if the general population allows it. We all need to write our Congressional Reps and tell them how we feel about this. Joining the Tea Party movement is a good statement too.

      Report Post »  
  • Truth and Justice
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 5:27pm

    There are some people who deserve Food Stamps but a great majority use it as a suppliment to their income as they drive up to the market in their flashy cars. Wake up Sheeple of America!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Paulzy
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 5:14pm

    I work in a grocery store and I know that people eat better with food stamps…they buy lobsters, fresh shrimp, $18.99 lb king crab legs, $17.99 lb filet mignon, wedding cakes, etc.

    Report Post »  
    • DGuy
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 8:08pm

      Believe this…

      Report Post »  
    • Bryan B
      Posted on May 30, 2012 at 4:47am

      @Paulzy

      Maybe there stolen Food Stamp Cards, or Drug users will trade the Cards for cash. Since you work for the store, you are allowed ask for ID, to make sure correct person is using the card. Or didn’t you know that ?

      Report Post » Bryan B  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 5:07pm

    …
    I want to stay healthy and eat right !!!
    I’m going to go apply for food stamps !!!

    Report Post »  
  • Beckaj
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 5:00pm

    I hear these on the radio all the time and they infuriate me. It’s bad enough that we have gazillions of PSAs telling us how to go to this gov website and learn about how we should live, but these that are advertisements trying to get more people onto food stamps is just irresponsible when we are so far in debt.

    Report Post »  
  • skippy6
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 4:47pm

    The problem is that a lot of people think that it is their money and they deserve it!!!! I was recently talking to someone that gets 525 per week on unemployment comp…They are in the union and that is the max in this state….While we were talking they stated that they only made 525 per week!!!! sorry but did you say you made this money???? I just about lost it on this clueless fool….They maybe work a little over 6 month every year, and the rest is UI..It used to be an embarrassment to be on the government dole notsomuch anymore I guess……

    Report Post » skippy6  
  • merik59
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 4:45pm

    I want to know how much the administration is skimming from this budget allotment to administer this campaign. Ads for food stamps or EBT cards makes about as much sense as advertising for the post office. This is our government run amok. This is our government on drugs.

    Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 5:08pm

      Take the time to see who actually lobbies for the food stamp program. The food industry and the grocery industry. Like military, infrastructure, energy and IT contractors they too want to utilize the federal ATM. Follow the money and it will lead you to bought and paid politicians on both sides of the aisle. It would be more beneficial to the country if the AZ. militias kept the lobbyists out of Washington.

      Report Post »  
  • greenturtle
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 4:40pm

    I used to be a producer at a local news station in Jax, FL… 2 years ago we had to do promotions on how to sign up for food stamps and get the “benefits you deserve!!!” It was uneblieveable. I refused to promote signing up for government assistance on my show. I was insulted. I explained to my news manager that is not our job to get people to sign up on the government dole. But America needs to understand the media is not there to protect them from the governement… the media is here to help the government. Its insane!

    Report Post »  
  • soybomb315
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 4:28pm

    What was it that Mitt Romney said…..Oh yea, “if the safety net is broken, I want to fix it”

    Report Post » soybomb315  
  • Bob_R_OathKeeper
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 4:26pm

    The government has convinced people they are better off as slaves and they line up for it, poor fools.

    Report Post » Bob_R_OathKeeper  
  • korbin
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 4:23pm

    Yeah you must have Government ( tax payer assistance ) to eat right. In my area of the country I see every day a 18 to 19 year old kids buying MONSTER energy drinks and subWay sandwiches with EBT so our government is full of shittttt this only adds to the plight. 99% are abusing our tax dollars if you disagree you are out of touch. Just like illegal alien issue unless you live where they live you do not see the effects such as selling food out of walmart parking lot, crapping and putting tissue in the trash can as they do not realize we have indoor plumbing.

    Report Post »  
    • korbin
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 4:28pm

      When you are so out of touch like this administration and all of congress you think you know. the closest these idiots come to actually seeing the effects of food stamp abuse, illegal alien issues is they have a friend who has a neighbor who actually talked to a friend who once had an illegal alien gardner.

      Report Post »  
  • BelieveMe
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 4:22pm

    In California, food stamp recipients who do not have a place to cook food can use their benefits at fast food restaurants including pizza parlors! Lol. Seriously though, GOVERNMENT is MESSING with the FREE MARKET, AGAIN!!!!! The cost of EBT-accepted fast food has risen over 33% because of the increase in DEMAND provided by TAXPAYERS’ DOLLARS! Grocery stores have seen a reduction in DEMAND for many items and similarly have had to RAISE THE PRICES to ensure profitability. In both cases, had the government not intervened, many establishments that were marginally profitable would have gone out of business. This would have strengthened the other businesses and provided a foundation for new businesses to enter.

    Report Post » BelieveMe  
    • frust@ted
      Posted on May 29, 2012 at 4:30pm

      It’s wrong that food assistance programs can be used to buy fast food. When I lived in Wisconsin their was a woman on foodstamps who went to one of the smaller gorcery stores that is far more expensive, when they told her they didn‘t take food stamps she was ticked and couldn’t beleive that a store could or would do such a thing. I remember getting really angry myself because I had a job and was working and i couldn’t afford to shop there. Long story short they need to make rules on what can and can’t be baught with food stamps, it should really just be the basics.

      To those of you who think food stamps should be able to buy diapers, terrible idea because the diapers will just get resold online or at thrift markets.

      Report Post »  
  • frust@ted
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 4:19pm

    That graph is a little misleading and irrelevant to the ad and article. The ad started in March of 2012 this graph only goes through 2011. The recent explosion in food stamps has more to do with the downturn in the economy than any ad. The reason you don’t see bread lines in this recession is because they have been replaced with the food stamp line.

    However the ad is infuriating, this is just the governments way of attempting to get more people dependent on the govmt. The food stamp program has become a joke and a way for the President to spend public money to advertise for his campaign.

    Report Post »  
  • pscully17
    Posted on May 29, 2012 at 4:16pm

    Orwhom has won the gold stamp enrollment award 5 years running, the feds give out 5 million dollars to reward them for ease of enrollment, including eliminating personal interviews and background checks for applicants..

    Report Post »  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love