Yum! lobbies for food stamp use in Yum! restaurants

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20110402/NEWS01/304030028/Yum-Brands-lobbies-Kentucky-OK-food-stamps-restaurant-use
so what do you think???

I think it's wrong.

Wow. I realize you can go to the grocery and spend your stamps on junk food, but this is just blatantly promoting obesity and corporate greed. If we're going to use tax dollars to feed the poor, it should at least be on healthy programs.

First, we (John Q taxpayer) pay for you to eat the most unhealthy junk food imaginable, but then we're going to allow you to eat out, (a privilege not a right) equally unhealthy food. To top it all off, in the end I'm paying for your health care coverage through higher premiums, etc. because you're allowed to eat absolute $hit food on my dime. I can't count the number of times I've been behind people at Kroger with a basket filled with every disgusting food known to man, only to be completely covered by "me". Oh and BTW, Red Bull is wic approved. Yes f-ing Red Bull is a Wic approved item. Saw that sticker on the door at the Circle K last week.
Personally the whole WIC card that looks like a regular credit card is BS. I think you should have to pay with a check that looks like those giant ones that you got when you won golf tournaments in the 80's. You know 2'x4', large and awkward, which is how you should feel when you abuse the system your entire life. You know who I'm talking about. People who have extra kids so they can get more moneyzzzz. Currently there is nothing in place to ween people off the govt teet, so many just stay on it indefinitely. And the current proposed legislation that mandates drug testing for people on govt. assistance is a great, long overdue start to the overhaul of this entire system. I understand that this program helps, good, honest hard working people that have fallen on hard times, but I'm sorry they seem like the minority.
Rant off, but this entire assistance program and its' rules really bother me to the core. Red Bull, I mean seriously, Red Bull!!!!

BTW, This is not a partisan, Democrat or Republican rant. I, in no way want to turn in it to one either. If we could just keep it to the issue at hand, w/o introducing that, it would lead to a more constructive conversation.

Why should the cashier at the grocery store need to know who is receiving food stamps and who isn't? I don't get it....

Maybe instead of the big awkward fake check or the monopoly money, they could just wear a scarlet letter on their chests?

I certainly agree with everyone else that it's definitely the wrong way to be moving the food assistance program. The next thing you know they will say they need more money because buying prepared foods costs more than preparing it themselves! I'm not sure on what basis anyone would think it's justifiable.

I'm pretty sure people can use their food stamps at Papa Murphy's so how's it much different?

I've seen people on food stamps buy absolute crap, but I've also seen some live high off the hog. I recall getting stuck behind a lady that had a ton of stuff in her buggy and a lot of steaks...filets, strips, ribeyes and t-bones. She probably bought a good $150+ in just steaks and then whipped out her food stamps. I was working full time and paying my own way in the world, but hadn't been able to afford steak in a long time. While I can support it being there to help people out when needed, there should be more limitations on it.

As for WIC, I can tell you Red Bull isn't covered on it. WIC and food stamps are not the same thing. They are so particular on everything you purchase down to size and brand and give you very limited amounts. While the plan is very limiting, it is good at controlling costs and would be a good formula for food stamps. Here is a link what WIC in KY will cover, but keep in mind each person gets a small list of what they can have from it. For example a new mom would get 4 gallons of generic milk, 1 dz store brand eggs, 2 jars of PB, and 8 cans of formula for a month. http://chfs.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/7959397 ... d81210.pdf

First, we (John Q taxpayer) pay for you to eat the most unhealthy junk food imaginable, but then we're going to allow you to eat out, (a privilege not a right) equally unhealthy food. To top it all off, in the end I'm paying for your health care coverage through higher premiums, etc. because you're allowed to eat absolute $hit food on my dime. I can't count the number of times I've been behind people at Kroger with a basket filled with every disgusting food known to man, only to be completely covered by "me". Oh and BTW, Red Bull is wic approved. Yes f-ing Red Bull is a Wic approved item. Saw that sticker on the door at the Circle K last week.
Personally the whole WIC card that looks like a regular credit card is BS. I think you should have to pay with a check that looks like those giant ones that you got when you won golf tournaments in the 80's. You know 2'x4', large and awkward, which is how you should feel when you abuse the system your entire life. You know who I'm talking about. People who have extra kids so they can get more moneyzzzz. Currently there is nothing in place to ween people off the govt teet, so many just stay on it indefinitely. And the current proposed legislation that mandates drug testing for people on govt. assistance is a great, long overdue start to the overhaul of this entire system. I understand that this program helps, good, honest hard working people that have fallen on hard times, but I'm sorry they seem like the minority.
Rant off, but this entire assistance program and its' rules really bother me to the core. Red Bull, I mean seriously, Red Bull!!!!

BTW, This is not a partisan, Democrat or Republican rant. I, in no way want to turn in it to one either. If we could just keep it to the issue at hand, w/o introducing that, it would lead to a more constructive conversation.

Hmmmmmm...So let me see if I get this right. You roll out this Tea-Bagger-ish rant, painting those less fortunate, or those experiencing hard times with this broad (and for the most part inaccurate) brush...and then you end this rant by implying it's NOT a rant and that future responses should keep to the "issues at hand". Is that pretty much it ? You're not by any chance from Wisconsin are you ?

First, we (John Q taxpayer) pay for you to eat the most unhealthy junk food imaginable, but then we're going to allow you to eat out, (a privilege not a right) equally unhealthy food. To top it all off, in the end I'm paying for your health care coverage through higher premiums, etc. because you're allowed to eat absolute $hit food on my dime. I can't count the number of times I've been behind people at Kroger with a basket filled with every disgusting food known to man, only to be completely covered by "me". Oh and BTW, Red Bull is wic approved. Yes f-ing Red Bull is a Wic approved item. Saw that sticker on the door at the Circle K last week.
Personally the whole WIC card that looks like a regular credit card is BS. I think you should have to pay with a check that looks like those giant ones that you got when you won golf tournaments in the 80's. You know 2'x4', large and awkward, which is how you should feel when you abuse the system your entire life. You know who I'm talking about. People who have extra kids so they can get more moneyzzzz. Currently there is nothing in place to ween people off the govt teet, so many just stay on it indefinitely. And the current proposed legislation that mandates drug testing for people on govt. assistance is a great, long overdue start to the overhaul of this entire system. I understand that this program helps, good, honest hard working people that have fallen on hard times, but I'm sorry they seem like the minority.
Rant off, but this entire assistance program and its' rules really bother me to the core. Red Bull, I mean seriously, Red Bull!!!!

BTW, This is not a partisan, Democrat or Republican rant. I, in no way want to turn in it to one either. If we could just keep it to the issue at hand, w/o introducing that, it would lead to a more constructive conversation.

Hmmmmmm...So let me see if I get this right. You roll out this Tea-Bagger-ish rant, painting those less fortunate, or those experiencing hard times with this broad (and for the most part inaccurate) brush...and then you end this rant by implying it's NOT a rant and that future responses should keep to the "issues at hand". Is that pretty much it ? You're not by any chance from Wisconsin are you ?

Steve, in all reality I am highly against the general "Tea bagging" movement that is sweeping the country in all its' "patriotic" glory, just calling it how I see it.... And to clear up any misconceptions you may have drawn from my rant, I lean about as left as you can get. If that means I can't speak of hot button social issues without being labeled into one grouping, so be it. I've actually found myself agreeing with a steadfast majority of the things you type on this forum, if that tells you anything. As said initially, those who have fallen on hard times and who need assistance "temporarily", are not the subject of my rant. So just for clarification, as you see it, do we not need any reform of the current welfare system as it exists today? Should people on public assistance not be subject to random drug testing to ensure that a blatant misappropriation of monetary funds is not occurring, thereby taking money away from people who honestly need the help???

Without plunging into political theater....

In my opinion, this is a bad idea and do not agree with its premise of "feeding the needy". No. I do not wish to expand further on my statement.

Hmmmmmm...So let me see if I get this right. You roll out this Tea-Bagger-ish rant, painting those less fortunate, or those experiencing hard times with this broad (and for the most part inaccurate) brush...and then you end this rant by implying it's NOT a rant and that future responses should keep to the "issues at hand". Is that pretty much it ? You're not by any chance from Wisconsin are you ?

Steve, in all reality I am highly against the general "Tea bagging" movement that is sweeping the country in all its' "patriotic" glory, just calling it how I see it.... And to clear up any misconceptions you may have drawn from my rant, I lean about as left as you can get. If that means I can't speak of hot button social issues without being labeled into one grouping, so be it. I've actually found myself agreeing with a steadfast majority of the things you type on this forum, if that tells you anything. As said initially, those who have fallen on hard times and who need assistance "temporarily", are not the subject of my rant. So just for clarification, as you see it, do we not need any reform of the current welfare system as it exists today? Should people on public assistance not be subject to random drug testing to ensure that a blatant misappropriation of monetary funds is not occurring, thereby taking money away from people who honestly need the help???

Brian...Probably just a case of my reading things into your post that you didn't intend. It happens, no biggie. We're cool. Given my status as a (retired) Guv'ment employee I suppose maybe my sensitivity meter gets pegged pretty easily given the (undeserved) ass whipping we receive in the press on a daily basis.

Anyway...Yeah, I'm down with you on the need for constant vigilance when it comes to giving the taxpayers the most bang for their buck...particularly when it comes to "entitlement" programs. That being said, I think the media and to some extent politicians have done an artful job of convincing the average taxpayer that abuses (of any kind) are considerably more rampant than they actually are.

This is just random answers to some comments posted here (in no particular order)

I believe there are alot of people on FS now that would never have been in the past. But these people should be shamed and ridiculed for it? I'll have to disagree with you there. Unless you're personally giving money to these people, yes, some of your tax dollars are supplementing it, but it's kind of disingenuous (imo) to say that you're paying for their food, and to feel like you have a personal stake in what it is these people are buying.

The last I heard, steaks are nutritional. You didn't know that woman's situation (and didn't ask) but perhaps she grows her own vegetables and makes her own bread. We just don't know. Do you really want the government peering into her shopping habits? Yours will be next, food stamps or no food stamps.

Food stamps do limit what you can buy/not buy. I believe you cannot buy hot (already prepared) food, but you can buy uncooked already prepared food. This is why you can buy Papa Murphy's (uncooked) pizza using food stamps but not Papa John's. (if it's true you can buy Papa Murphy's using food stamps.)

I think (personally) it's best just to let people who use food stamps (whether it's because they need them or they're just users) choose their own food. Whether they choose to buy all fruits and vegetables with them, or buy junk food. We don't know why people would choose frozen dinners as opposed to fresh whole foods; perhaps they are caring for a dying loved one, laid up sick in bed, or just don't want to bother cooking.

As to Papa John's wanting to be able to accept food stamps, I think it's probably a bad idea. Only because it does cost more to pay for delivery than to cook at home.

This is my first post here. I've been lurking for years and trying to join for years, so feel like I know you all very well!

[Robin Garr]

This is my first post here. I've been lurking for years and trying to join for years, so feel like I know you all very well!

Welcome, Christina! Glad you're here ... hope this is the first of many.

[Robin Garr]

Maybe instead of the big awkward fake check or the monopoly money, they could just wear a scarlet letter on their chests?

:: Like ::

This is my first post here. I've been lurking for years and trying to join for years, so feel like I know you all very well!

Welcome, Christina! Glad you're here ... hope this is the first of many.

What Robin said. Glad to have ya.

I'm happy to (finally!) be here! *lol*

Thanks for the warm welcome!!