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Thanks for reposting. I didn't actually get to read the article last night (I got sidetracked by the comments).

http://www.budgetbytes.com/2014/09/feeding-america-snap-challenge/

I've worked extensively in public benefits, particularly in Food Stamps, both on the federal policy side and user side with Legal Aid. While the public benefit system in our country is not perfect by any means, the Food Stamp program in particular is one of the most efficient, low-fraud programs the federal government runs. Drug testing all applicants has time and time again shown to be more expensive than paying out benefits to any outliers that get through the cracks.

The other thing is that it is EXTREMELY difficult to live solely on public benefits. They are supposed to be of last resort or supplements to whatever you can scrounge together. Living off a food stamp grocery budget alone is really very difficult, especially if where you live doesn't have many grocery store options.

Additionally, getting ON public benefits and staying on them is hard. Its like a part-time job between waiting in lines, shuttling from office to office, getting all the paperwork straight, quarterly reporting, keeping up all the requirements, etc. Granted this is different state to state, but I know its tough in CA. Especially if you don't have a car and have bad public transportation options. Frankly, if you have the patience and endurance to fraudulently be in the system, you probably have what it takes to succeed in a legit job.

The vast majority of people on public benefits are white, a huge portion of food stamps users are working families who are using it to supplement their budgets (also why its called the SUPPLEMENTAL nutrition access program), able bodied people actually can't BE on food stamps that long (its like a year max), welfare is harder to get now thanks to Bill Clinton of all people, and most states require you to be in school or job training to maintain welfare benefits. Undocumented workers can't be on food stamps or welfare, never have been allowed to.

Additionally, its actually far cheaper to offer these benefits than the costs associated with incarceration and the criminal justice system, if anyone is riled up about the tax impact. Especially because in conjunction with school nutrition programs and public schools, it can help keep crime rates down for the children in low-income families.

Thank you for this article

Thanks for posting this!

I read this last night but didn't comment before it turned into a major shit show.
Thanks for reposting...it's eye opening.

Glad you reposted!