Why does EBT ("food stamps") pay for candy, ice cream, and soda?!
Past that, it doesn't seem right at all. These are not life necessities, which is what "food stamps" are designed for. The money allotted for those below the poverty level is a privilege, not a right...nobody is "entitled" to freebies.
I understand help is needed, and that's fine. There is nothing wrong with using food stamps to buy real food at the grocery store...but I find it appalling that it pays for junk food.
I work as a cashier, and on a daily basis, I see extremely obese people using food stamps to buy ice cream, pies, snack cakes, candy, sugary drinks and soda, and the like. Sadly, it seems to be rare that folks using food stamps are buying good, wholesome foods, like lean meats, fruits and vegetables.
I'm not a republican looking to attack everyone using government assistance. I'm also heavier myself, but also eat healthy, and never used government assistance, even when I was struggling to make ends meet.
I think what food stamps cover should be regulated. It already doesn't cover prepared foods or fast food or pet food...why can't they make it so it doesn't cover junk food?
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
Hey there. Are you suggesting that they eliminate candy ice cream and soda? because its not that simple. If they did that then ppl would be whining, "How come you cant buy these such things but they can be these other such and such unhealthy things."
They cant ban some unhealthy things and not others. Also they cant ban all unhealthy foods, because the government cannot control what other people are eating.
They are given a certain amount to spend, and they may do so on whatever food they please. To make limitations as you are suggestion is unamerican.
Maybe its time to start looking for a new job if you are getting worked up about what your customers buy and what they use to pay for it.
I am so happy they let us get that,and now a days even in the little stores,its great I think! Yes I agree about the junk food part I get a very very little junk food when I get my food stamps it should be healthier selections of food,and mabe they can save a little more money,because junk food is exspensive to fix your teeth.
Would you like all sugar to be illegal to you based on your weight? Perhaps only thin people should be allowed sugar....
Poverty should not be punished any more than obesity should.
Why do you think you have the right to restrict freedom of the poor? Illogical.....
The government is too lazy too monitor this. They see the short term cost and think it's too expensive to hire people to do things right. The other question is what is considered food and what is luxery.
food is food, calories in calories out. I would outlaw cigs first and alcohol is basically poison (intoxication) toxic being key word You would then have to regulate what a store could stock and sell giving them the burden of discerning
I remember when they had actual paper foodstamps u couldn't buy candy and other certain things. I don't think u should be able to buy candy or soda either.
Who are you to judge what people eat. As a kid I grew up not getting things other kids get like candy and such. Food stamps cover food. candy is food. Yes I use food stamps to buy soda. I am also back on stamps after being on my own for over 5 years but I lost my job and need help again. If I choose to eat peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches for lunch so I can afford soda what business is it of yours. and by the way food stamps are for your family not birthday parties. You are technically allowed to give food purchased with stamps away.