I have been blessed to have been helped by others during rough times. I understand though that not everyone is that fortunate and may face a time in their lives when temporary assistance from programs like SNAP is necessary. Let me emphasize temporary. The program needs a lot of changes.
I favor more restrictions on food allowed. I favor requiring basic food handling and prep classes in some cases. I favor meals (much like meals on wheels) in kind being provided. Anything that reduces the cost and the food waste is a good thing.
Private charities feed a lot of hungry people. They do it better than the government. They are also better at helping people become self-sufficient. Maybe SNAP should be modeled after their programs.
I agree with this post. I have a friend who got married very young (19), had a baby, then her new husband bailed on her shortly after the baby was born. She had to use public assistance to survive and provide for her baby for a while, but it was never a lifestyle or anything she would choose to do again (or even in the first place). She is very resourceful, and got back on her feet.
For those truly in need, thank God this assistance is available.
For those who abuse it and commit fraud...well, I won’t finish that sentence. Another friend of mine was a Welfare Fraud Investigator for about 20 years. Taxpayers not only pay for welfare, but for tens of thousands of people to investigate the huge amount of fraud. Yes, there has to be a better way without leaving those AMERICANS truly in need out to dry.
I have been blessed to help family and friends.
That’s how all of my family has always got by....hard work, and helping each other out, when need be.
Food stamps were completely out of the question.
The EBT/SNAP program should be for foods that can be managed/prepared for the month. No credit card, no coupons. Food only.
A good friend of our family’s immigrated here, from Cuba, at a young age. Her mother and she arrived first, before her father could get here. Her grandmother arrived within the year that she arrived. Her mother took in laundry, and worked with other young mothers to watch each other’s kids, while the other mom worked, until her grandmother arrived and could care for her.
They received assistance for one year. Their assistance consisted of one block of cheese, two loaves of bread and a gallon of milk.
She told me that they were very appreciative and careful with their monthly allotments.
Today, she is a very successful, self-made businesswoman. It really infuriates her to see so many on welfare, receiving so much....for YEARS! Especially those here illegally.
So, that should be the first order of cleaning up the welfare rolls....provide ONLY food (not pre-prepared), only for a year (with special considerations, as needed) and NOT to those here illegally.