Should people be permitted to buy candy, pop, potato chips, energy drinks etc wi

1. 61

   MysteryPlanetposted 13 years ago

   Should people be permitted to buy candy, pop, potato chips, energy drinks etc with food stamps?
   
   I see people buying things like this with food stamps. I understand that many families need food stamps but should items like coffee, pop, candy, cookies and cakes and energy drinks be bought with food stamps? My personal opinion is a big NO! in fact I find it unbelievable that this is being done! What is your opinion?

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2. 60

   Jackie Blastposted 13 years ago

   Why not? They are all a part of everyones normal diet. just because you may be a total health nut doesn't mean that you should judge other peoples decisions on what they choose to eat!

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3. 82

   Lady MJposted 13 years ago

   To a certain degree I think it is okay. If it's say.. a piece of candy given to a child as a reward.  Then I think they absolutely deserve to get and feel encouragement. If that is the only things they are buying then no. But you never know what is already stocked up in their kitchens, and how they balance their budget. When you are on food stamps they actually give you quite of bit to spend. It's not fair to judge someone's spending on what they have in their cart from a one time shopping venture. It could be the only way a single mom can pay for their child's birthday party.
   
   I do however; think beer, cigarettes and other selfish addictive items should not be permitted.
   
   A very debatable question! Makes you think. I like it!

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4. 75

   capncrunchposted 13 years ago

   As a person who has had to enter many different kinds of homes I have to say yes they should.  I know that is one that will be debated again and laws may change but many who need assistance can't even cook there own food.
   
   It is the children I don't want to see go hungry.  And sad to say often times kids have to fend for themselves.  I lived in an apartment complex once where this young kid would just walk in my door and ask for something to eat.  I was a bachelor with not much food in the place and often sent her on her way with cookies and milk.
   
   In the area in which I live, I believe it was around Hurricane Katrina that rules for cooked meals were changed as previously cooked meals were not an allowable purchase of this kind.  As for junk food and energy drinks, they may be pushing it. 
   
   But if you draw a line at what cannot be purchased, where does that line stop?  Our laws often seem too loose or too strict.  Some lobbying must have been done on this issue to make these changes.  There was also a underground market as most know where exchange for lesser cash value caused some changes.  Good question, though.

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5. 68

   ArtByCariposted 13 years ago

   I think it is a frowned upon act, but to control everything about what they can and cannot buy seems too extreme. I'm sure some of those people already feel down about having to use food stamps in the first place, let's not humiliate them further.

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6. 87

   kentuckysloneposted 13 years ago

   I dont think tax dollars should be used to buy candy and snack foods.
   
   Someone said "But if you draw a line at what cannot be purchased, where does that line stop? " Well there are already limits on what can and cannot be purchased with food stamps.
   
   The idea is not to say that people cant buy candy but just that they cant buy it with money that comes from the tax payers. And if people are buying candy and snacks and pop instead of 'real' food their children are probably not getting good nutrition.
   
   I agree that this is a really controversial issue and I dont have all the answers just offering my own thoughts about it.

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7. 72

   kevin.howellposted 13 years ago

   Absolutely not!!!  Welfare recipients should only be able to buy food to sustain life.  Many Americans work hard and can't reap the benefits of their labor. I eat 75 cent totinos pizza while those who don't work get digornios.

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8. 61

   chaunatyeposted 13 years ago

   Ohh good question!
   While I see your argument I have to say that there would be too much going into monitoring what is bought that it almost seems pointless, plus like someone else said parents should be allowed to reward their kids with things like candy.
   I personally try to avoid giving my kids candy but I can't tell them that they will never ever be allowed to have it, and lets face it, most families on food stamps have no other source of income to buy food with.

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9. 81

   Danette Wattposted 13 years ago

   This is a tricky questions for reasons others mentioned. While I don't think it should be banned at all, here are some other thoughts.
   
   First, many low-income people live in neighborhoods that don't have a grocery store, just convenience stores. Those typically don't offer fresh foods and not much more than candy, pop and other stuff I would consider junk food.
   
   Second, there is also the issue of educating people on good nutrition. I know this is digressing from the question a bit, but there is a movement toward urban gardening to bring fresh food into neighborhoods that could benefit from them.

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10. 72

    someonewhoknowsposted 13 years ago

    I remember when the fruit truck would come around the neighborhood to sell fruit etc. around 1960-1970

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