The federal assistance food stamp program was began in 1939. Vivid images of displaced and out of work Americans waiting in long lines outside of soup kitchens still haunt us today. People from all walks of life who were reduced to standing in line for a handout. Begging was not something most had imagined they would ever find themselves doing. Proud people whose hands were still stained from years of toil and in the blink of an eye found their jobs were no longer there. The federal food stamp program was intended to supplement unemployment benefits to assure those who lost jobs would never again have to suffer the indignation of standing in long lines for something to eat.
The federally assisted food stamp program was created to balance out farm surplus with people living in urban areas of the country who needed help buying food. Since the first food stamp was issued, the stigma of those receiving government benefits has not improved with time. Affluent Americans often times belittle those asking for and accepting benefits. Congressional representatives argue over money delegated to the food stamp program as too little or too much. Each group not fully understanding nor appreciating the effectiveness and necessity of this program. Those who have experienced circumstances that have pulled the rug out from under them are the only ones who can fully appreciate how important and necessary the food stamp program is.
With the economic downward spiral claiming more jobs each month, unemployed Americans have had to swallow their pride in order to provide for their families. Unemployment benefits won’t pay the bills let alone buy groceries. Today, it is estimated that 1 in 10 people are now enrolled in the federal food stamp program. Thirty one million people. The number would probably be higher if all who are eligible for the program took advantage of it. However, the stigma of government assistance will keep some off the rolls of the food stamp program. After all, proud people don’t beg. Hence the stigma. It’s not begging. It’s accepting help in hard times.
The average monthly benefit for one is $176.00. Alcoholic beverages and cigarettes can not be bought using the food stamp program. Other than that, one can shop as normal. Anyway, as normal as someone on a $176.00 monthly budget. That may sound like a lot for one person to eat in a month, but it’s not. It takes dedication and educating yourself to the best bargains, coupon usage and bulk food buys to stretch $176.00 for a month. Essentially, it breaks down to $5.87 a day for food. If three meals are eaten a day, it comes to $1.97 per meal.
Try it for yourself. One month. $176.00 only for food. Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. That’s the best way to understand completely someone’s life experience that was thrust upon them. Try it. I bet you can’t do it. Here’s another experiment that can be eye opening. Keep track of all of your receipts from the grocery store, convenience shops, fast food stops or any where food has been purchased by you. Total everything up at the end of the month to see how much you spend on food in a month. Yes. You have to count that coffee or soda, too. The chips from the vending machine and that donut you grabbed on the way to work.
Think about your daily food intake. Snacks included. The problem those on food stamps face is trying to provide healthy meals for themselves and their families. Foods high in carbs are usually the most affordable for those who find themselves having to live on a slim food budget. Not being able to purchase healthier food can increase health care costs for those who are unemployed and using food stamps. It can become a vicious circle of having to rely on federal programs just to survive. Unemployment benefits, food stamps and health care. Higher benefits awarded to food stamp recipients that would allow purchasing quality food for a healthier diet would increase the federal cost and most people don’t favor an increase in the food stamp program.
Signing up for the food stamp program is not something eagerly done, but is a necessary evil to tide one over through hard times. It’s estimated that 41% of those enrolled in the food stamp program are whites, 36% are African-American and 18% are Hispanic. The other 5% accepting benefits are American Indian and other minorities.
There is nothing wrong with taking a helping hand in times of need. The food stamp program was developed to help ease one aspect of joblessness by providing government benefits. Unemployment insurance along with foods stamps are meant to be a temporary bridge to get across stormy waters. Next time someone in front of you pays for their groceries with their government issued food stamp EBT card, give them a smile in support of a nation of people who are concerned enough with their fellow man to fund a program that helps those in need by giving them a hand up.
John D. Sutter, Tough Choices for American’s Hungry, CNN
Food Stamp Program, Wikipedia
What are Food Stamps, getting foodstamps.org
