While not all folk on welfare are trying to abuse they system, the system makes it really easy to abuse. And I believe the last statistic I saw regarding welfare was about 'lifestyle welfare'..folks who are on it as kids and really don't see a way off. Might not be intentional like 'Straddlin'. But still, do we really need to raise another generation of welfare kids?
I personally feel that the only form of free food should be a 'soup kitchen' or WIC. Because that cannot really be abused..no one wants to eat in a soup kitchen unless they are really weird. So there is no reason to stay on the system...use it when you need it, move on when you don't. a food bank of simple breakfast and lunch foods could be attatched (healthy cereal, oatmeal, some bread, some fruit, and that lovely PBnJ)
Wic is for a nursing moms or formula...only certain healthy foods are covered and while there is potential for abuse, you can only do it for a few years. I think it comes with health and parenting counseling around here, though I could be wrong. Not to mention short of selling the card or whatever is used you can't buy junky foods.
Though I do agree with Joan that the occasional treat is no big deal, I don't want it coming at my tax expense unless donated junk came from the food bank. (which plenty of folk do donate junk, pure junk and 'white flour food'). I would rather the food bank or even a wic like item for older folk covered only certain items than covered all bases. (man will not die on cheese and fruit alone, but he might on pop or ice cream)
I would rather spend my tax dollars on 'braille money' than on chips or ice cream.
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