Oh, SNAP

I am not against people using government programs as a means of a hand up, however I am firmly against people abusing these government programs as a hand out. I believe there should be very strict time limits that one can be on these programs and after that time is up they may not reapply for the program for at least five years. Yeah I'm a jerk like that, I know. I've heard it all before and I just laugh. If you wanna know what military members get paid, here's the chart. I'll just say that we're at the lower end of the enlisted side with less than five years, but more than two and let you figure it out. By no means are we rolling in the money and living a lavish lifestyle that some people have suggested. However, we get by just fine with proper budgeting and going without some things (like a second car, a nicer house off post, daily Dunks runs, etc). I will admit that we are on WIC but there are time limits on it (no more after B hits 5 and pregnant/nursing moms are on it for a limited time) and WIC is a supplement as opposed to buying all of our groceries. Food stamps or the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)? Not as rigid as WIC, and definitely is once again on my radar as something that needs to be overhauled completely as it's bringing up more wasteful spending.

Just a few months ago, the GOP proposed a drastic cut to SNAP within the farm bill. I thought this was great and went on a rant on my personal facebook over it. The general tone was good for them, it's about time that someone did something and that if members of Congress wish to keep food stamps in the farm bill then it needs to directly benefit the local farmers in that area. Some people didn't like this stance and while I get it, even on our small budget we still do a lot to support as many local farmers (especially our meat farmers and fruit orchards) that we can. One of our bigger local farmers' markets will accept food stamps and let you change it out and some times even give you an extra $1 for every $1 of food stamps you use. Keeping food stamps in the farm bill in order to support farmers in my opinion makes sense and is a win-win situation. Farmers get to farm and bring fresh foodstuffs to the community and in turn the community knows where their food is coming from (a lot of our farmers will offer for you to come up and see their farms and learn more about it which is pretty awesome) and the community is eating healthier.

Despite the epic failure of Michelle's plan to reform school lunches, I'm all for getting everyone to eat healthier -- especially kids. On WIC, sure it's pretty easy and they limit the sugary cereal (I think honestly the only sugary cereal that you can purchase is frosted mini wheats) and you can only get sweet potatoes, etc. Food stamp program? Sorry while I fall off my chair laughing. Before I did my research about what can be bought on food stamps, I had heard stories of people buying lobster and bakery cakes for their kids birthdays and soda. I thought, no way, food stamps are supposed to be like cheese and bread and stuff, just an expanded version of WIC. Dang, was I wrong -- these stories were truth. I told hubby and he joked that we should get on food stamps (truth, I have yet to meet even the basic level of military who is on food stamps, I've heard rumors of it but never, not even with our local hand out queen (and trust me, she'd be the first to be on food stamps if she could)). I'm sorry but "luxury" items on food stamps? No. We can't afford hubby's Monster habit so guess what, he gets maybe two a week. Cakes are made from scratch because we have everything in the pantry for it. And I can't even tell you when the last time we had seafood was (steak is a different story because our local butcher ran a special on meats a few months ago so we set aside some of our tax return for it and we still have meat in our freezer). It really upsets me that people who don't work seem to be eating better than my family. 

But beyond the nearly limitless options for food stamps is what got my attention back to this subject over the weekend. Did you know that the program increased by over $500 million since the 2006-2008 period? Or that more people are selling their benefits back for cash? Yeah. That's right, selling their food stamps for cash. This... This is what really gets me upset. If you're in such a position that you qualify food stamps and then do get them in order to oh I don't know, feed your family but then turn around and sell them for oh I don't know, drugs, alcohol, new Jordans, a new smartphone, whatever then I think you have no business being on food stamps. There is absolutely no reason what so ever that benefits should be bought back and cash given to program participants. Too many people in this country go without and never take a government handout yet you have this. I think it's corruption because it doesn't follow what the program is intended for -- to feed Americans. Ah wait, tangent. Yes, I also believe that you must be a citizen or a legal resident in order to qualify for any government funded program -- and yes you should have to show a legitimate government issued ID. Oh and have at least a part time job, and can only be on it for a limited time frame. It's all about a hand up, not a hand out.

But until people learn how to not abuse what could honestly be a great program for those who need it the most, I stand with those wanted to severely cut (or completely defund) SNAP.