Trump Budget Swaps Food Stamps for '100 Percent American' Food

[mike]

It’s apparent government can’t really do anything without a ton of people not liking it.

In this case, giving food away to hungry people attracts criticism.

Right. I thought the following quote from CNN.com was particularly ironic.

"It's a risky scheme that threatens families' ability to put food on the table," said Stacy Dean, vice president for food assistance policy at the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

[Bootstrap]

It’s apparent government can’t really do anything without a ton of people not liking it.

In this case, giving food away to hungry people attracts criticism.

Is that anything new? I've heard criticism of SNAP and other programs to help poor people for years.

I don't know enough to really have an opinion on this program yet, you really do want to evaluate even well-meaning programs to make sure they are cost-effective, meet clearly thought-out goals, and tend to lead people in the direction of independence rather than dependency.

[mike]

It’s apparent government can’t really do anything without a ton of people not liking it.

In this case, giving food away to hungry people attracts criticism.

Is that anything new? I've heard criticism of SNAP and other programs to help poor people for years.

I don't know enough to really have an opinion on this program yet, you really do want to evaluate even well-meaning programs to make sure they are cost-effective, meet clearly thought-out goals, and tend to lead people in the direction of independence rather than dependency.

That's why the politicians are paid the big bucks, right? I'll just go back to meekly selling lettuce, candy and pop to anybody who can pay in paper or plastic.

[ohio jones]

After a quick look at Mike's grocery lists, there are few items on them that we would buy. I would love to browse the store sometime and try a few of those "luxury" items.

In particular, the following are not likely to be on my shopping list:

Code: Select all

Fisher's Dill Brussels Sprouts
AW Old Fashioned Bear Jam
American, Yellow

[Heirbyadoption]

It’s apparent government can’t really do anything without a ton of people not liking it.
In this case, giving food away to hungry people attracts criticism.

True, but this is also a misrepresentation (by implication) of said criticisms and their possible validity.

[mike]

After a quick look at Mike's grocery lists, there are few items on them that we would buy. I would love to browse the store sometime and try a few of those "luxury" items.

In particular, the following are not likely to be on my shopping list:

Code: Select all

Fisher's Dill Brussels Sprouts
AW Old Fashioned Bear Jam
American, Yellow

So you're a white american guy?

[ohio jones]

So you're a white american guy?

That's white. Plus you're in a historically non-slave state.

[Josh]

It’s apparent government can’t really do anything without a ton of people not liking it.

In this case, giving food away to hungry people attracts criticism.

Is that anything new? I've heard criticism of SNAP and other programs to help poor people for years.

I don't know enough to really have an opinion on this program yet, you really do want to evaluate even well-meaning programs to make sure they are cost-effective, meet clearly thought-out goals, and tend to lead people in the direction of independence rather than dependency.

I would trust that the smart people in the USDA and HHS will do this. Let’s just let government agencies do their jobs and ignore media and partisan hype.

[mike]

It’s apparent government can’t really do anything without a ton of people not liking it.

In this case, giving food away to hungry people attracts criticism.

Is that anything new? I've heard criticism of SNAP and other programs to help poor people for years.

I don't know enough to really have an opinion on this program yet, you really do want to evaluate even well-meaning programs to make sure they are cost-effective, meet clearly thought-out goals, and tend to lead people in the direction of independence rather than dependency.

I would trust that the smart people in the USDA and HHS will do this. Let’s just let government agencies do their jobs and ignore media and partisan hype.

Yep. Back to your day jobs, everybody.

[Valerie]

I expect people who currently abuse the current cash/ebt programs would not bother with these parcels. I doubt there would be much of a cash market for it.

But then again...

If you grew up in one of our neighborhoods, you would see Cadillacs waiting down the street from a distribution center simply to purchase cheese from eligible recipients. As was mentioned earlier, there was an income requirement for participation in the program. I understand, however, that a number of wealthy people would also purchase surplus cheese illegally from eligible recipients and consume it along with caviar.

Ask Valerie how often she sees people buy fresh fruit and seeds with their SNAP benefits.

Probably never; I don't think her chain sells those things. But Mike's data will be interesting.

I remember one young lady who was dressed really nice & obviously had her hair done professionally, when her ebt card had a problem, she didn't want her pack of bottled water & said "I'm not going to pay for it out of 'my' money!"

Wait ... we pay the water bill for those in need (separate program, of course) AND pay for their bottled water?

Actually, Discount Drug Mart DOES carry fresh fruits, vegetables and pretty good quality - and seeds as well- tobe honest I usually don't pay close attention to this as I'm in a hurry to get them through the line-and out- I normally will only take note if THEY say something-
I was surprised bottled water was covered- yes- not sure why- there are less expensive options I believe- again if someone is really down and out and needs help, of course we all agree there should be charitable help- it's the what seems to be abuse-