What are the downsides of food stamps?

Answer by  patti (29325)

Most people do not know how to spend the food stamps to maximum benefit, and instead buy processed foods, convenience foods and junk foods, not fruits, vegetables and good sources of protein. The system is rife with fraud and waste that goes unchecked.

Answer by  RM49 (274)

The largest downside to the food stamp program is over dependence. Many people who get them when they really need them keep them even after they no longer do. So-called entitlement programs, such as food stamps, welfare and medicaid put a huge strain on the United States economy because of this, as well as other abuses of the system.

Answer by  Bronagh (666)

Food stamps are meant to be temporary help for those in financial distress, but often become long term as people qualify and have no impetus to leave the program. Also, some people use food stamps to buy food and then use cash to buy alcohol, cigarettes, etc. Additionally, some users sell their benefits for cash.

Answer by  MathWiz (1408)

You can only buy certain things with them and you're living off the government instead of supporting yourself. Not good for your self-esteem.

Answer by  sara99 (851)

You must tell the government ALL of your financial status to receive them. They are only valid on certain food items. You cannot buy toilet paper. The amount received changes frequently.

Answer by  Maureen (60)

The biggest downside of food stamps is that they are funded bu tax payers and that means that we all pay higher taxes as a result of providing food stamps. A smaller downside is that some people may find it embarrassing for their neighbors to see them paying that way in the store.

Answer by  HelpChat (494)

Food Stamps provide access to food for those who have no other way to afford food. The downsides are: they often do not provide much money, they can be used for some non-nutritious foods, some people trade food stamps for drugs at a discount, taxpayers fund them, and others.

Answer by  jon6 (488)

People become dependent on food stamps and it can take away thier incentive to work. The people who do work have to support the people who don't.

Answer by  ericdodson (5)

Food Stamps are one of the many tool$ to benefit the government. This country is ruled by a tiny percentage. Thus the more the poor, the more the money. The higher the food stamp demand, the more taxpayers pay making also the mid-class low. that's what they want.