Forum Tools
Forums |  Register |  Login |  My Profile |  Inbox |  Address Book |  My Subscription |  My Forums 

Photo Gallery |  Member List |  Search |  Calendars |  FAQ |  TOS |  Disclaimer |  Ticket List |  Log Out | 

FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their cart?

 
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
All Forums >> [Theology] >> Morality & Ethics >> FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their cart?
Jump to post #:
Page: [1] 2 3 4 5   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their cart? - 10/26/2009 3:28:33 PM   
Mollymouser


Posts: 5165
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: california, land of the happy cows
Status: online
I was reading elsewhere some comments by people about recent grocery shopping experiences that they've had. In several cases, people were outraged or at least annoyed over items in someone else's shopping cart primarily because the other shopper was using "food stamps" or "WIC coupons" or the EBT (electronic benefits card).

What are your thoughts? Do you second-guess what sorts of things that people receiving government assistance are buying? Are you critical or resentful of their choices? Do you ever say anything to them?

_____________________________

MARRIED TO A MILITARY PILOT PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS!
Post #: 1
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 3:31:27 PM   
RJR_fan

 

Posts: 1066
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
Status: online
quote:

Do you second-guess what sorts of things that people receiving government assistance are buying? Are you critical or resentful of their choices?


Well, when a spaced-out couple fills their shopping cart with the most expensive cuts of fancy, vacuum-packed meat, you can tell that they're not shopping with their own money. You can also suspect that they'll be going hungry half-way through the month!

Government "charity" dehumanizes.

_____________________________

Blogging my way through the Turkish New Testament
Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
Post #: 2
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 3:38:15 PM   
Mollymouser


Posts: 5165
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: california, land of the happy cows
Status: online
quote:

ORIGINAL: RJR_fan

quote:

Do you second-guess what sorts of things that people receiving government assistance are buying? Are you critical or resentful of their choices?


Well, when a spaced-out couple fills their shopping cart with the most expensive cuts of fancy, vacuum-packed meat, you can tell that they're not shopping with their own money. You can also suspect that they'll be going hungry half-way through the month!

Government "charity" dehumanizes.


So ... what would you advocate in its place?

_____________________________

MARRIED TO A MILITARY PILOT PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS!
Post #: 3
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 3:38:28 PM   
McFatty


Posts: 835
Joined: 12/8/2007
From: Augusta, GA
Status: offline
I think it would be wise for the government to require recipients of EBT, TANF, or whatever other kinds of government aid might be out ther, to have to take some classes on managing finances responsibly.

But I don't think poorly of people who need help. I don't think that giving things away like that is necessarily the best way to go about it, but I'm certainly not losing sleep at night over the fact that hungry people are being fed.

_____________________________

"O LORD, You have pleaded my soul's cause; You have redeemed my life." - Lamentations 3:58
Post #: 4
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 3:38:55 PM   
Tinkerbell_


Posts: 7642
Joined: 1/25/2008
From: NeverNeverLand
Status: offline
The good news is with WIC there are specific sizes, quantity and brands they can buy. Only large eggs, certain oat or grain cereals...stuff like that.

As for EBT users, *shrug* that's there responsibility to manage their card to last through the month. If they run out, they run out.

_____________________________

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace
Post #: 5
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 3:42:44 PM   
Elena1030


Posts: 2579
Joined: 6/21/2006
From: Music City, USA
Status: offline
I'm probably concentrating more on my own stuff and hoping no one goes, "Omiword!!! SINGLE GIRL!!!" or... hoping that my feminine products don't stick out like sore thumbs. I don't pay attention to what others buy... except that I notice who has a HUGE pile... and I try to choose a faster moving line. (Or "scan your own")

_____________________________

Prayer thread for singles who desire to marry someday
Post #: 6
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 3:45:22 PM   
rcjames


Posts: 7756
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
Status: offline
I was behind a female at WalMart last week, and she bought three shopping carts full (hundreds of cans) of Coke, Sprite, and other name brand 12 oz. colas.

If someone does not second guess that; then their second guesser does not work.

As per Tinkerbell's post; I do like the restrictions that are on the WIC cards. It is a wise use of funds.

Thanks
RC

_____________________________

Just a country Preacher's humble opinion

Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
Post #: 7
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 3:54:09 PM   
Tinkerbell_


Posts: 7642
Joined: 1/25/2008
From: NeverNeverLand
Status: offline
In the other shoppers defense, RC, I have been known to do that occasionally. I buy a TON of soda, stock up and just refill my mini fridge when needed. I have a lot of teenagers in and out of my house and like to have a good supply of drinks and snacks for them.

_____________________________

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace
Post #: 8
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 3:57:26 PM   
doinkdom


Posts: 6134
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: The higher lowcountry
Status: offline
I don't second guess anyone...just none of my business. The only thought I might have is...somebody has a baby at home, etc.

I have enough issues focusing on what I need to be doing to take on someone else's buying habits.

_____________________________

"Well in my experience if something seems too good to be true
it's best to shoot it just in case."
~Fi
Post #: 9
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 4:00:32 PM   
Focusing


Posts: 4425
Status: offline
quote:

FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their cart?

Do you mean running around judging others? No.

_____________________________

. . . when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?
Post #: 10
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 4:04:47 PM   
moon_mouse

 

Posts: 438
Status: offline
When I was in college, I worked at a "sack it yourself" type grocery store that advertised that it welcomed food stamps. I had a group of 3 families that used to come in and pool their stamps to buy in bulk, and then split the small denomination stamps they got back in change. (This was back when Texas used books of Monopoly money looking stamps.) Then, the same families would come back individually and use the small stamps for special treats,like cookies or cake mix and frosting for the kids. If I had been behind one of these moms in line, I might have looked down on her for using food stamps to buy cookies, not knowing how well she had used most of their stamps. It really taught me that I don't always know the whole story, and I generally need to mind my own beeswax!
Post #: 11
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 4:08:42 PM   
rcjames


Posts: 7756
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Tinkerbell_

In the other shoppers defense, RC, I have been known to do that occasionally. I buy a TON of soda, stock up and just refill my mini fridge when needed. I have a lot of teenagers in and out of my house and like to have a good supply of drinks and snacks for them.


Well evidently I did not do a good job of explaining how many cokes were bought. A mini fridge would not contain them, a full sized fridge would not hold them. I would take an honest guess and say maybe 600 to 800 cans (maybe a lot more) at 24 cans per case and three walmart shopping cart stacked full and underneath also.

If I was cynical, I would say the lady was going to trade them for cash at a store or bar somewhere.

Maybe she was doing a religious liquid fast.


Thanks
RC

_____________________________

Just a country Preacher's humble opinion

Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
Post #: 12
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 4:15:08 PM   
sirwintery


Posts: 2427
Joined: 2/1/2007
From: nw alabama
Status: offline
"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."--Jesus, Matthew 18:10

Do you claim to follow Jesus and yet despise people for their situation or decisions? That's not yours to judge.

If you just believe there should be no assistance provided to people and want to make "choices" your "moral" point, take a look in the Book before posting your righteous judgment.

I went to a church where a man was hesitant to pray for a sick family because he had seen them check out at the store and thought they deserved to be sick for what they ate.

Not Biblical.
Post #: 13
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 4:22:04 PM   
Tinkerbell_


Posts: 7642
Joined: 1/25/2008
From: NeverNeverLand
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

quote:

ORIGINAL: Tinkerbell_

In the other shoppers defense, RC, I have been known to do that occasionally. I buy a TON of soda, stock up and just refill my mini fridge when needed. I have a lot of teenagers in and out of my house and like to have a good supply of drinks and snacks for them.


Well evidently I did not do a good job of explaining how many cokes were bought. A mini fridge would not contain them, a full sized fridge would not hold them. I would take an honest guess and say maybe 600 to 800 cans (maybe a lot more) at 24 cans per case and three walmart shopping cart stacked full and underneath also.

If I was cynical, I would say the lady was going to trade them for cash at a store or bar somewhere.

Maybe she was doing a religious liquid fast.


Thanks
RC

And like I said, I buy a LOT in advance, and then refill my mini fridge when needed.

Also, there is the thought of receptions, gatherings, family reunions...stuff like that.

I remember for my cousins wedding his brother and I went to Sam's about bought a couple of those flat bed carts full of beer and soda. They were pretty full. Almost $1000 worth of beverages on that one trip alone. *shrug*

_____________________________

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace
Post #: 14
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 4:30:47 PM   
GrahamCracker


Posts: 1850
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Dallas, TX
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: sirwintery

"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."--Jesus, Matthew 18:10

Do you claim to follow Jesus and yet despise people for their situation or decisions? That's not yours to judge.

If you just believe there should be no assistance provided to people and want to make "choices" your "moral" point, take a look in the Book before posting your righteous judgment.

I went to a church where a man was hesitant to pray for a sick family because he had seen them check out at the store and thought they deserved to be sick for what they ate.

Not Biblical.

No one is despising people for being poor. Being poor is not a crime. But when people are poor because of either poor spending habits or poor lifestyle behaviors, I think it is appropriate.

People frequently beg money at local convenience stores in my city. The ones I would not have difficulty with are the mentally ill. Frequently, they can work but cannot hold a stable job. But it is difficult for me to give them money without any idea how to hold them accountable for that money.

I do not believe the Bible commands me to give money carte blanche to the poor.

_____________________________

Larry

"Clarity before agreement." Dennis Prager
Post #: 15
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 4:39:24 PM   
McFatty


Posts: 835
Joined: 12/8/2007
From: Augusta, GA
Status: offline
I couldn't see despising anyone or denying anyone because I thought they might be shady with my gifts...

_____________________________

"O LORD, You have pleaded my soul's cause; You have redeemed my life." - Lamentations 3:58
Post #: 16
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 4:39:35 PM   
sirwintery


Posts: 2427
Joined: 2/1/2007
From: nw alabama
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: GrahamCracker


I do not believe the Bible commands me to give money carte blanche to the poor.


I think the heart of the issue is putting the _shopping_ cart before the horse.

It's unclear whether the issue in the op of the government assistance is what you are now describing as you giving money, or something else.

The op involves those who are irritated looking at another's choices. That's unscriptural. I choose not to eat pork, another may love it. So what?
Post #: 17
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 4:47:39 PM   
Grace71


Posts: 340
Joined: 7/6/2009
Status: offline
I remember years ago reading in Dear Abby about someone complaining that a woman in front of another in a check out line b0ought a huge birthday cake and paid with food stamps. The woman who bought the cake wrote back and said it may have been her. But here's why-
The daughter has cancer, and they get food stamps due to all the medical costs they incurred for her daughter's treatment, and as far as I remeber the mom couldn't work because of her illness. As for the cake, they got her a big nice one because more than likely it would be the daughter's last birthday. That's something to think about.
Post #: 18
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 4:58:10 PM   
McFatty


Posts: 835
Joined: 12/8/2007
From: Augusta, GA
Status: offline
Good story! One never knows the circumstances. Always assume the best, I say, until you can find out more information.

_____________________________

"O LORD, You have pleaded my soul's cause; You have redeemed my life." - Lamentations 3:58
Post #: 19
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 6:23:02 PM   
Corne

 

Posts: 1773
Status: offline
I think a few consumables should be disallowed on food stamps like candy and soda. They are worthless for the body.

I also think that instead of having opinions, even right opinions about what the food stamps are buying in front of us, we should develop a habit of praying for God to bless that family, with salvation or whatever else they need. We should keep our eyes open and notice quickly if some of them might need help with an opened door, or a smile when their kids are being cranky.
Post #: 20
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 8:01:37 PM   
GregandJenny

 

Posts: 546
Joined: 2/16/2006
From: Near Seattle Washington
Status: offline
quote:

I think it would be wise for the government to require recipients of EBT, TANF, or whatever other kinds of government aid might be out ther, to have to take some classes on managing finances responsibly.


I agree with this. When people get a good some of money, if they aren't taught how to wisely spend it then they will blow it. If you go to the store and see pop for 12 cents a can and you have never seen that before then you are probably gonna buy more than you need. Some people have to be taught that .

G

_____________________________

It does not have to be well with my circumstance to be well with my soul!
Post #: 21
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 8:10:32 PM   
RJR_fan

 

Posts: 1066
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
Status: online
quote:

So ... what would you advocate in its place?


A. God
B. Family
C. Church

It can't be called "charity" when an agent of the gut puts a gun in your gut and demands the money you worked for, just to give it to someone who hasn't worked for it.

_____________________________

Blogging my way through the Turkish New Testament
Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
Post #: 22
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 8:19:45 PM   
Corne

 

Posts: 1773
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: RJR_fan

quote:

So ... what would you advocate in its place?


A. God
B. Family
C. Church

It can't be called "charity" when an agent of the gut puts a gun in your gut and demands the money you worked for, just to give it to someone who hasn't worked for it.

Perhaps not charity from the taxed but it is charity for the receiver.
Post #: 23
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 8:34:03 PM   
jhuperetes


Posts: 1544
Status: offline
I used to work back in high school, in a Pick-&-Pay, a generic grocery store, as a bagger. I remember overhearing two young women discussing how they need to get pregnant again soon, otherwise their WIC would run out...

The only feeling I have is sorrow and sadness for victicrats.

They live as victims, and their children will grow up thinking that is normal life, and their children's children will not even comprehend what is not living off of government.
Post #: 24
RE: FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their c... - 10/26/2009 8:56:46 PM   
GrahamCracker


Posts: 1850
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Dallas, TX
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: sirwintery

quote:

ORIGINAL: GrahamCracker


I do not believe the Bible commands me to give money carte blanche to the poor.


I think the heart of the issue is putting the _shopping_ cart before the horse.

It's unclear whether the issue in the op of the government assistance is what you are now describing as you giving money, or something else.

The op involves those who are irritated looking at another's choices. That's unscriptural. I choose not to eat pork, another may love it. So what?


It looks like we are talking about either food stamps or an electronic debit voucher. I do not know what WIC stands for. When someone is on public assistance, there are limits to what one can purchase. For example, there is the matter of alcohol.

I cannot remember ever noticing whether or not a person even used food stamps or not. Generally, they must use them across the street from where I shop. So my only comparison involves beggars.

Going back to the OP, I cannot tell whether or not it was irritated looks or snide comments or both. Maybe they were commenting within the earshot of the OP but out of the earshot of the food stamp user. Looking irritated is open to interpretation. I cannot count the number of conversations where a person perceived some thought of mine simply on the basis of my facial expression. So whether or not "irritated" is unscriptural or not depends on whether or not we are mind readers.

I have told beggars that I don't give money to street people. In my city, panhandling is illegal and most of them know it. We have almost a half dozen shelters in the city, including places where they can get a free meal. So it is not as if they have no choice to beg. And jobs are not impossible to find. They don't have to beg.

The only people I favor contributing to are the mentally ill and single mothers. Single mothers sometimes are abandoned and the mentally ill cannot keep jobs even when they get them.

_____________________________

Larry

"Clarity before agreement." Dennis Prager
Post #: 25
Page:   [1] 2 3 4 5   next >   >>
All Forums >> [Theology] >> Morality & Ethics >> FOOD STAMPS - Do you second guess what's in their cart?
Jump to post #:
Page: [1] 2 3 4 5   next >   >>
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts



  Forum Tools
Forums |  Register |  Login |  My Profile |  Inbox |  Address Book |  My Subscription |  My Forums 

Photo Gallery |  Member List |  Search |  Calendars |  FAQ |  TOS |  Disclaimer |  Ticket List |  Log Out | 

Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.5 ANSI