Quote:
Originally Posted by golfing eagles
And then there's a fourth group---those that probably need it, but make ridiculous choices as evidenced by last week:
I was at the fish counter and a lady, maybe 25-30 years old, came up with 5 kids ranging from an infant to 7 or 8 years old. She ordered 9, yes NINE pounds of snow crab clusters at $23.99/pound. Then, at checkout, pulled out the EBT card. Now, I'll admit I can afford 9# of crab if I want it, after working for many years, but I wouldn't spend that kind of money on crab. So why do I have to support her crabs? I think there should be a reasonable list of items that can be bought with other people's money. I'm sure those kids could eat more and for a longer time on $216 of milk, vegetables, fruit, chicken and ground beef.
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Odds are the crabs aren't for her. Frequently, these people will buy something really expensive and then sell it to another individual for half the cost. Sadly, the cash is frequently used for drugs or alcohol. However, there are times the cash is used to buy paper products and cleaning supplies, neither of which is covered by EBT. I get angrier at the individual purchasing the crab legs from those in need than the person selling them. Whether used for drugs or items necessary to live, the one individual needs the cash. The other is simply taking advantage of that need.
I won't begrudge someone on food stamps buying an occasional treat. I remember once a woman standing in line with two small steaks and the old-fashioned food stamps. Of course, someone had to make a comment. The poor woman left the steaks, purchased the necessities with her food stamps, with tears streaming. The gentleman in front of me bought the steaks and gave them to her. Turns out it was her wedding anniversary and this was to be a surprise for her husband. It is easy to judge and condemn but sometimes compassion goes a long way.
I won't comment on the five kids. Here's hoping she was just babysitting to earn some money.