My Food Stamp questions
@revellanotvanella (4033)
United States
May 10, 2009 7:55pm CST
Im using food stamps and I swear the card they give me to buy my groceries doesn't last more than 2 weeks!! Its even the 'know' that they do not last and the cashiers find them a pain too. I asked around to get opinions on both sides and before I go further with this I wanted to know what others said on here, so please help me out.
Is this just a county thing or greater region thing. I do not believe that people should be treated differently because their on Foodstamps and its a shame it still does. I get suspicious looks, I get stuck in lines--that hold the customers behind me up--just because the cashiers either do not know how to ring up a transaction because its a EBT card. And then like today, the MANAGER of a whole foods store didn't know how to ring my card up manaually (because the strip doesnt swipe).
It was embarassing even and frustrating. He entered the number in wrong 5 times and what happens is after the 3 times the card cannot be validated so you cannot use it, the computer will not accept it. So I had this long debate (tense one at that) about the issue of people being fairly treated and at first his answer was "Its not a perfect world" and then by the end "lets give the card one more try"--either he changed his ideas or he realized he did not ring it up properly because what do you know, it was accepted that time.
Can you imagine how upset it must make the people waiting behind me.
And whats with that name?? Foodstamps, what are we the common man in the Middle Ages, I refuse to use that term and find it degrading.
Do you think Foodstamps encourages people to stop working. They do penalize you for working and will take a nice cut out of your allowance, even working I cant keep up with food costs.
1 person likes this
6 responses
@derlilaStern (1756)
• United States
11 May 09
I worked at a grocery store several years ago. There were many cards that didnt scan well - not just the Foodstamps cards. One thing that often helped was place the card in a plastic bag - just one of the ones they use to put your purchases in - and then try swiping it while it is in the bag. I have no idea why it helps, but it often works!
It is the fault of the store that people are not trained in the proper procedure for completing a foodstamp order. I am sure there are many cashiers who are just as frustrated as you at not being able to help you!
I think there are a lot of problems with all of the social welfare programs. I dont think it is ridiculous that foodstamps benefits are reduced based on your income. Yes, it is difficult to support yourself and your family if you dont make a lot of money. But food is one necessity that should be at the top of the priority list with the income you do make.
There are some people who will try to remain on social welfare programs no matter what changes are made. I dont think the current program rules are the reason they remain!
Im not sure I understand why you think the term "Foodstamps" is degrading. It doesnt necessarily describe the program like it did when people were given certificates (or perhaps a stamp of some sort before that). But I dont think it is degrading.
1 person likes this
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
11 May 09
the reason I find the term FoodStamp degrading because a stamp is what you use to mail things, a stamp is not even a currency, and the new automated self check outs announces "foodstamps" all loud when you go to pick your form of payment.
@derlilaStern (1756)
• United States
11 May 09
Stamps can be used for many things other than just postage stamps. It just isnt something that is common. The term 'foodstamps' may be antiquated, but it probably accurately fit the program when it was coined.
I do understand about the automated check outs being loud. I doubt that anyone else is even worried about the fact that you are using food stamps. They are probably just trying to get out of there like everyone else!
Like others have mentioned, dont be ashamed of the help you are getting. It sounds like you are getting help and not just a free hand out. If anyone has the audacity to say something to you, just ask them if they would like to have to choose between eating and having a place to live. It will usually put people in their place.
1 person likes this
@lumenmom (1986)
• United States
11 May 09
It sounds like you had a bad experience. It should not be a challenge to use the EBT card. It is much easier and classier than the old stamp booklets. Everyone is aware of foodstamps by now and with so many losing jobs ther are many more people getting them who have never had to use them before. If you are getting suspicious looks, then who ever is looking at you that way must still be in the Middle Ages. I do agree that the stamps do not last very long. It is so hard to stretch them to the end of the month but I was told they are not suppose to last a whole month, they are suppose to supplement your other efforts at getting food, such as using cass or going to free food pantries. Another thing is they have changed their name offically. They are now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (S.N.A.P. or short). This name went into effect in October but I'm sure most people are not aware of it.
1 person likes this
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
11 May 09
my grocery store computers say foodstamps but I will have to inquire about that and see what they say, thanks for letting me know.
@bluerubymoon53 (3286)
• United States
12 May 09
I am a cashier at a retail store that has groceries and we accept EBT cards as a form of payment. Recently, many of the cards do not "take" when they are swiped. I don't know what causes this.
One problem with the cards when I have to key in the number is that the numbers are small and I have a hard time with the 3 and the 5. They look so much alike as small as they are. It's especially harder to see the numbers when the white "ink" has rubbed off the numbers.
I cannot believe that the Manager of the Whole Foods store didn't know how to enter the card manually. He needs to be trained or re-trained about all forms of payment.
I'll be honest with you, it IS a pain when the numbers have to be keyed in, and then keyed in a second time to verify. But, it is my job to do this.
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
12 May 09
OMG, I never knew it took a second time to make the number go through and I will totally reconsider my stance because that sounds like the biggest pain and I appreciate you coming in here and explaining your side. I am going down to the office and picking up a new card today, Im going out that way. So I guess the manager of the store just typed in the numbers more than three times without them matching (because he mistaked a number) and thats why it wouldn't accept and after he waited a few minutes and tried one more time, it took.
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
16 May 09
UPDATE: Well, went down to the state office and discussed my card issues with a lady there but all I got was "Good Luck with that" and that the system has always been that way. Well, I'm not one to let that get me down, the way I see it is theres always room for change. I am working right now on a letter to my local Whip and our new governor which is AWESOME and totally open to implementing environmental change and also helping low income familys but I think he needs some insight which I'm totally willing to offer. He just posted on his website that our budget deficit could be reaching over 800 million (WA-Wa-WHAT??) so Im sure every little bit helps, we shouldn't be wasting money on cards that only create trash.
@NadiaAllStar (162)
• United States
11 May 09
Well in NY its not that bad. I had FoodStamps at one point and in the supermarkets they have the machine to swipe and I've never had a problem. It's like having a credit card so people behind you on line dont have a clue. If the card doesnt swipe which I had happen to me they knew what to do, its not that serioius just type in the number. Sorry your having this experience, as far as foodstamps encouraging people to stop working...no I dont think it does this at all It helps people even if you are employed. I was employed but fell short at the end of the month and FoodStamps approved me & it really helped out!
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
11 May 09
Yea, its amazing how demographics work. The grocery store that I walk down the street is where I run into problems but on the other side of town (but only 10 minute drive) the grocery store there I run into NO problems they know exactly how to handle the situation. Each side of town completely different from another (I live close to college campus) and thats the unfortunate side of demographics.
@clgwilliams (38)
• United States
11 May 09
On a personal note, I am a fellow EBT card user as well. I am a single mom of 2, and I do work every day. It still doesn't make ends meet, so I have to do what I have to do. I am on my own, and am not abusing the system in anyway. Now, with that being said, do not be ashamed of using your benefits that you qualify for for a reason. They are there to help you and your family. The way the economy is right now, a lot of people are having to apply for benefits to help ends meet. I am definitely sorry to hear about the way you were treated at the store. That was lack of training on the stores part, and if it were me I would get in touch with the General or regional manager or maybe even email the corporate headquarters to let them know they need to step up their training process for their cashiers and managers.
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
12 May 09
Oh definately, its gonna have to involve everybody to fix this system with so much bad management--I think the state is just as responsible for not educating the grocery stores about the training process or holding them accountable when their are problems but also I think its my responsibility to contact all ends and bring it to attention.
@craftygranny (2)
• United States
11 May 09
We are getting food stamps and I know how you feel about the magnetic strip. I have had three card replacements because the strip "demagnitized" and it is rediculous. I do not think there is anything wrong with getting and using food stamps, as long as you use them wisely. It really irks me to see people abusing them. I saw a woman buy a $37 roast with her card. Now that is abuse. You could almost eat a week on that amount of money. And yes, we do get some funny looks but the way I feel is that we pay out taxes and we should be able to use them. It is hard to stretch them but we have learned. I have learned how to stretch hamburger and we buy a lot of meat when it is on sale. Sometimes I feel like it encourages people to not work but if you need it, use it.
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
12 May 09
Crazily, they make you pay 5$ for every card that has to be replaced and this is going to be one of the first things I discuss because it looks to me their making somewhat of a monopoly on card replacements when the strip lasts no longer then 30 days--what are holders to do, no use their cash for food, thats ridiculous. Five dollars adds up fast.
