(02-13-2018, 12:12 PM)BmorePat87 Wrote: https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-wants-replace-food-stamps-114015814.html

The administration claims it will save $129b over a decade while others suggest it will cost more and a "one size fits all" approach does not work well with providing dietary needs for a diverse group of people.

(02-13-2018, 12:43 PM)Benton Wrote: If done right, this could be a good fix.

I worked in a grocery store back in college. Food stamp abuse is pretty common (people selling their stamps, giving cards to other people in exchange for stuff, etc). Likewise, I don't think the intent of the program is for hungry kids to get all the Mt. Dew they can chug and Doritos they can eat. But nobody wants to overhaul the program.

Now, I volunteer for a food bank. It amazes me the number of people who come in and 1- ask if they can trade stuff and 2- ask if we've got any [insert favorite junk food].

If done right, I don't have an issue with food assistance being designed to be more nutritious and better regulated. My only concern is the history of outsourcing Meals and Wheels and similar programs has been disastrous. It's usually businesses that try to maximize profit by minimizing food, so you get meals of high protein goop.

(02-13-2018, 12:44 PM)GMDino Wrote: There has to be a better solution than Trump's people grocery shopping for what THEY think everyone needs and sending a box.

(02-13-2018, 01:20 PM)Benton Wrote: I dont think Sonny Perdue is going to be pushing a shopping cart down isle 7 at Kroger looking to fill up the box for the Smith family from Toledo. 

If done right, the box would have contents based on need. Sort of like WIC, which I think is a solid program that works well for mothers and children. It's also got very strict guidelines.

If they're not trying to cheap up and fill it with substandard food, then this could be a good thing for improving children's nutrition and fixing the problems in SNAP.

(02-13-2018, 01:20 PM)Benton Wrote: I dont think Sonny Perdue is going to be pushing a shopping cart down isle 7 at Kroger looking to fill up the box for the Smith family from Toledo. 

If done right, the box would have contents based on need. Sort of like WIC, which I think is a solid program that works well for mothers and children. It's also got very strict guidelines.

If they're not trying to cheap up and fill it with substandard food, then this could be a good thing for improving children's nutrition and fixing the problems in SNAP.

(02-13-2018, 01:35 PM)Belsnickel Wrote: I know some will say "beggars can't be choosers," but I think that this would need to be able to have some level of customization in order to work efficiently. If you send people things they won't eat then it just results in increased food waste and malnourished individuals. I am sure there is a way to make this type of system work, but I don't have faith in this administration putting something together that would actually perform well.

(02-13-2018, 01:35 PM)BmorePat87 Wrote: I saw a comment suggesting something more like WIC, which works. You can then go to the store and get the specific item. That's a solid solution. The issue, though, is that WIC is designed to give mothers with these young children specific things that they need for the kids health. Food stamps exist to supplement your food budget, not to provide you with specific foods. It's hard to say what each person needs since they're all in different situations.

My concern will then be the quality of the food and the real cost saving in coordinating buying the food, packaging it, and then delivering it. 

(02-13-2018, 02:18 PM)Belsnickel Wrote: I do find it interesting that they are talking about this direction, which is a more socialist direction than SNAP currently is.

(02-13-2018, 02:59 PM)Benton Wrote: It'll be run pretty capitalist, though. 

It's socialism to take peoples taxes to provide for other people. It's capitalism to take peoples taxes and provide for a business. Which is ultimately what this program will become, a business raking in profits off boxing up food.

(02-13-2018, 02:49 PM)michaelsean Wrote: What about all these convenience stores that now accept EBT cards in areas where there are plenty of grocery stores.  That's just throwing money away if you are the person with the card.  I would make these stores show they serve a need in the area.

(02-13-2018, 01:59 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Remember when Michelle Obama wanted to get the junk food out of school lunches and serve more healthy food for the kids?

Remember how all the conservative Republicans around here applauded that move?

Yeah, me neither.

(02-13-2018, 04:56 PM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: Being forced to eat healthy while paying for it =/= Being forced to eat healthy while getting it for free.






..............................Also don't F with pizza day.