Food Stamps

The answers can be found here:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/applicant_recipients/fs_Res_Ben_Elig.htm
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/applicant_recipients/using_foodstamps.htm

I don't think there is a time limit. As long as your income remains below the threshold you can remain on food stamps.

Thanks, fishin'!

Re: Food Stamps


I think any US citizen, who meets financial requirements for eligibility. As for what foods: practically all foods, though there's mention that junk food will be disallowed. But then who would want to use food stamps for candy or pop? Some people who get food stamp benefits think they have to buy a lot of filler foods, as the amount is pretty small, but then a lot of people don't realize that these days most people consume bigger portions than they need. Also, in my state there are free(for people on food stamps) nutrition programs through the university extension office and through the WIC program. These programs have helped a lot of people learn better portion control and shopping practices.
Another good practice is to grow one's own food when possible. Even if one lives in an apartment they can grow some of their own foods, though not a lot; mostly just salad stuff(some in flowerpots, and some in little tubs). If one has even just a little yard they can grow even more. The best thing is to find a place in the country; our house may be small, but the property is 7 acres, and the rent is comparable to when we paid in town.
I think most states have moved from food stamp coupons to debit cards. This seems to cut down on abuses of the program; unless someone has card reader that can take state debit card they can't deduct someone's benefits.
More and more people are having to turn to food stamps, especially with our current economy problems. Sure, the number of unemployment claims has dropped, but that doesn't mean people are finding jobs any easier; they just have used up their unemployment benefits and are no longer eligible.

"food stamps" are a service of the US Dept of Agriculture and not a "welfare" program, eligiblity is determined by scaled income. It was originally intended to be a program to reduce over-stocks of food supplies such as cheese, milk, and other commodities and dis-allows non-food items such as toilet paper or other generally considered necessities.

Walter
Have you ever wondered why the Federal Department of Agriculture administers the Food Stamp Program?

Many people don't know that the food stamp program was started to support farm prices to farmers with surplus crops. But it would have been politically difficult to get it approved for that reason. So the Department of Agriculture changed the reason for the program to helping to feed poor people.

It worked, both groups benefited.

BBB