[The Great RJ]

I have a part time job in the wine and spirits department of a large grocery store. Our card reader will not allow EBT cards to purchase tobacco products, beer, wine or liquor. Sadly I have frequently seen EBT users buy about $10 worth of junk food and then pay cash for about $20 worth of beer. What dismays me most about the EBT cards is that users can buy all sorts of junk food and even bottled water, large steaks and crab legs. If Michelle Obama or Mayor Bloomberg wanted to end obesity simply restrict EBT card purchases only to healthy food items similar to the WIC program.

[Lurker]

The only “food aid” that should be available is 3 MRE’s a day. Period. If it’s good enough for our troops it’s good enough for them.

[nascarnation]

Michelle Obama or Mayor Bloomberg wanted to end obesity simply restrict EBT card purchases only to healthy food items similar to the WIC program.

Wouldn't you LOVE to ask them that question on national tv?

[muawiyah]

Crab legs are just $5.99 a pound at the local Safeway. Steak costs more, and hamburger, a far less healthy substitute for crab, costs well over $4.00 a pound for the lowest fat commodity.

Crab legs are far healthier for you.

[conservativebabe]

Sadly, IL has no such card readers. Cigarettes go through without a problem but that could be because it is “allowed”.

[Eaker]

What dismays me most about the EBT cards is that users can buy all sorts of junk food and even bottled water, large steaks and crab legs. If Michelle Obama or Mayor Bloomberg wanted to end obesity simply restrict EBT card purchases only to healthy food items similar to the WIC program.

bottled water, large steaks and crab legs ARE healthy food items. Expensive, but healthy.