How to Make People Hate You When You Use Food Stamps (EBT Card)
97There's Nothing Wrong With Receiving Public Assistance
Are you embarrassed about having an EBT card in your wallet? You shouldn’t be. Unfortunately, even in this rough economy, there is still a bit of a stigma attached to receiving food stamps. How do I know this? I spent 2 years as a cashier at a local supermarket, and I have been (gasp!) a food stamp recipient myself. I’m notorious for being passive-aggressive, so I’m going to help you score a few extra dirty looks the next time you’re grocery shopping with your EBT card.
- Dress for the occasion. Who says you have to look like a bum just because you’re receiving government assistance? Dress classy, dress trashy…dress however you want, as long as it looks like it didn’t come from Goodwill. Don’t forget to accessorize, preferably with some REAL bling-gold, silver (or better yet, platinum), and diamonds are where its at, baby!
- It’s a common stereotype that people have a bunch of babies for the sole purpose of continuing to receive benefits. Don’t let the judgmental folks down; bring as many kids as you can with you! If you don’t have children, borrow some. Feel free to bribe them; candy bars are EBT-approved!
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- Ramen Noodles are for poor people, so don’t even think about putting that crap in your cart! Load up on shrimp, lobster, steak, fancy-looking birthday cakes, and organic items. Also, it’s okay to purchase large amounts of junk food; the cashiers (and the nosy customers in line behind you) want to know that their tax dollars are being well spent. Grab a few bags of Spicy Hot Cheetos and a case or two of Pepsi. Don’t forget the Oreos!
- After you’ve selected everything that you want/need, it’s time to have a little fun. Start selecting items that are not eligible to be purchased with food stamps; “hot” foods such as the roasted chicken from the deli or a cup of cappuccino (which you should be drinking when you reach the register to pay) from the coffee bar. Make your way towards the household items, and load up on paper towels, toilet paper, and feminine products. Bonus points for selecting your favorite wine and a pack of cigarettes!
- Walk slowly towards the checkout; you don’t want to overexert yourself by pushing such a heavy cart! Set a few items on the conveyor belt, and then stop to answer your cell phone (it better be a Blackberry, iPhone, or Sidekick). Ignore the dirty looks from the cashier and other customers. Who do they think they are, the Line Police? They can wait.
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- Ask the cashier what they are doing this weekend. If they say they will be working (and 99% of the time, that’s the response you will get; cashiers are rarely lucky enough to score a Monday through Friday, 8a.m.-5p.m. schedule), act horrified. Announce that you are having THE party of the year, and were hoping they could make it. Sigh loudly and exclaim that you are soooooo happy that you don’t have a job.
- Act completely shocked when the cashier informs you that toilet paper and alcohol are not eligible for food stamp purchases. Stomp your feet, throw a hissy fit, and scream that you’re sick of people disrespecting you just because you’re on EBT. Insist that the LAST time you went grocery shopping, your items were all approved. Demand to see a manager. When the manager arrives, ignore him while you answer your phone again.
- When the cashier asks if you have any coupons, laugh loudly and say, “Girl, please! I’m on EBT…everything in my basket is already free!”. Make sure she notices your Coach bag.
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- Encourage the cashier to hurry up and finish your transaction. Inform her that you are getting your hair and nails done, and CANNOT be late. Moan that your French tips are looking all raggedy, even though you just got them done last week.
- Ask if a bagger can help you carry your groceries to the car. Explain that you’ve had a busy day of lounging by the pool and watching Maury. Be sure to whine that your new Jimmy Choos are KILLING your feet.
- When the cashier attempts to hand you your
receipt and thank you for your purchase, make sure you’re too busy yapping on
your phone to notice. Loudly scream to
all of the children you brought that it’s time to go. Breathe a sigh of relief when you remember
that you bought plenty of frozen dinners; the grocery store wears you out. You are WAY too tired to cook tonight.
Have You Ever Received Food Stamps?
See results without votingMy boyfriend doesn't share my views on food stamps. If you hate food stamps, you'll relate to his article.
- Food Stamps or Free Supper? A Counter Argument.
Food stamps shouldn't be used for junk food, iced tea, or anything else that people can live without.
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I needed that one, thx. Just out of curiosity have edible underwear been approved for foodstamps?
Thanks, tlpoague! I have seen a lot of people treat people on food stamps badly as well, and I'm sick of all the stereotypes associated with public assistance. I have received food stamps before, and I had a full time job! My job required me to wear nice clothes, so when I would shop after work, in my business suit, and scan my EBT Card...UGH. I received a lot of dirty looks.
You're welcome, Stump. That's an excellent question, and one that I don't have the answer to. I must admit that now I'm curious if edible underwear can be purchased with food stamps.
I say if you need help and you are eligible to receive it for a temporary help, then do it. Aid and Welfare were made for temporary help for people who needed assistance. But I think too many women out there take advantage of the system and avoid getting a job and taking responsibility for themselves and their families. So really it doesn't matter what you buy or how you dress, its whether or not you really need the food stamps or not that will determine how people think of you. If you have a job and just aren't making it, then its ok. But if you sit at home and keep popping out babies and don't want to get a job then I'd say there is a problem here. Good hub!
I never even notice how other people pay for their groceries....except one time I got behind a couple who had more coupons than items in their cart and the cashier was accepting them all! The groceries had already been bagged! It took forever. Fun hub. Thanks, Sunny.
this is hilarious!! thanks for a great fun read!!
I drive a BMW and have a current business with all credentials and had to go on food stamps for the current while. It's wild crusing up to the food pantry and grocery store in a nice Beamer. I get the dirty looks when I buy a soda and candy bar at Circle K, especially when I treat the kids.
It's not the ones who need it I loathe. It's the ones who don't need it, or the one's who abuse it. I remember a recent shopping trip at the grocery store. A woman and her beau had two shopping carts full of groceries—and yes, on an EBT card. She did not look hungry, might I add. I looked at our ONE cart which was about 1/4 full and looked at my wife and said, "Working people can't afford to eat like that." Something even funnier would have been for me to have ripped something ready to eat out of HER cart and when she would have looked at me incredulously I could have told her, "Technically these groceries are mine—my taxes paid for them." ;)
Great hub in any event. :)
Love it! To funny!
Absolutely hilarious! Great hub, and gives an outlook about how people see others when they are not in their shoes. I guess we should never judge others, without knowing the entire story.
Blessings,
Laurie
I think I might be in love. That was awesome!
I been on EBT for about a year, and have no shame. Do you know why a lot of people buy soda and junk food on EBT? because the easiest way to get benifits is when you are homeless. Now im not saying this for all that recieve EBT. But hey people Im a home bum :) and yes I buy junk food on ebt, because tell me, where is a homeless person gonna cook rice, or store a gallon of milk? Lemme tell you, every 8th (when its refilled with 200 bucks) I blow it on junk food.. Hell yes why not, or buy someone else shit in exchange for pot. Oh by the way if you want free booze here is somethinmg you can do: get a shopping cart, fill it up with stuff to have a semi full cart, get a 6 pack of glass bottle sodas and a 6 pack of your fav beer, sit those both in the child seat. Then as you walk down the store and avoiding cameras, switch the beer and soda with each other, go to the U-scan and scan your 6 pack of soda, quickly conceal in bag, pay for your 6 pack of booze on your ebt. Total price no more than 3 dollars.
Thank you for that! I have a friend who will TRULY appreciate this, even more than myself. She was at the store with her newborn, her husband had shipped off for Army boot camp, and she needed assistance until his pay started to come in. The woman behind her made several comments, not quite under her breath, about how she didn't think the store should allow people like "that" to shop there. That proved to be one insult too many. My post-partum friend kindly showed the woman what it was like to be down and out, with her pretentious ass now on the cold floor.
I don't suggest that kind of behavior (in hindsight, either does she), but I think many of us can appreciate the last straw. Thank you for pointing out, and making light of, a very real problem in our society.
You rock lady!
Lol...I tried to hit the funny button several times, but it only took once. This is hilarious........but I however, do buy lots of ramen noodles. :)
I went to lucky store martinez ca,The cashier embarrased me.I was wrong push the machine.I have food stamp no cash.he talk to louder.He ask me What do you have? Food or cash. To many poeple in the line. He just jeleous with poor people like us.LOL. BTW shooping at wallmart. I did not see screen computer at cashier .They just use keyboard,so people behind you can not see.Let's go to shooping
@Springboard, I was collect food stamp for 10 months couple year ago. When my husband got better job, I discontinued.I'm fair person.I am save for 3 year withaout food stamp.To bad ,I have to use since last month.When you discontinue and back again very difficult to get back. I am not want using EBT for my life. We need job and pay more tax so good when get SS.Have better job n live , good for the kids so when they grow up do not need collect this.
I'm paying taxes for the first time this year, (since I'm now an independent) and I can only hope that my hard-earned money will be used by people who actually need it and not lazy-ass bums getting a free ride thanks to my long hours at the grind. By the way, there ARE ways to buy nonperishable, ready-to-eat food that isn't 80% high fructose corn syrup. It only takes a little effort and a modicum of intelligence.
p.s. On the flip-side, I think politicians spend tax dollars too frivolously. It would be great if their 5 star hotels and first class flights came out of their own pockets, instead of the paychecks of a population that (by and large) can't afford such perks for themselves.
Pretty funny stuff you got in this hub of yours.
All good writers have a resume' that includes the use of food stamps.
I did not read any comments about those who are disabled and only receive SSI payments who would not have anything to eat if not for the EBT program and those judgemental SOB's need to think before they open their "christian" mouths...bad things happen to good people and I am glad there is help for those who need it...and it is a joke to think that someone's taxes are directly paying for the EBT recipient's food, hell it is going to pay for the debt left by Bushole and the thieves that ripped off the average American taxpayer...
Very funny and so much truth in it too. Enjoyed it and had some laughs. I like the way you presented this
I have a family member that is now on assistance after he lost his job after working for the last almost 30 years. He has been unable to find a job even though he has sent out hundreds of resumes. The economy really stinks. I hate how poor people are treated in our country.
This is great article.
This is great! I literally almost fell off the coach laughing :) I love it! It is amazing and sad how some people look at the recipients of EBT. It happens that sometimes people need assistance, especially in a bad economy. I have been on EBT and was working a full time job, it just wasn't a high paying full time job. It was a job that was available at the time and I was doing the best I could at that time. Oh and by the way if you need to borrow kids...just kidding
Very funny. It's amazing to me how some people commented on here about people spending their tax dollars. I'm on EBT for a couple months and I'll be paying taxes at the end of the year. Maybe I'm using my own tax dollars to pay for EBT. Get over it. You might need it someday too, so don't judge. Point of article. Duh!
I am really enjoying all of these comments-except a few that I had to deny. They involved excessive name-calling and personal attacks on people who are on food stamps. I'm glad that most of you guys agree that there's nothing wrong with having food stamps if you need them. I also find it interesting that 73% of the people who have answered my poll about food stamps (as of today) have been on food stamps or currently have them now. That's a lot more people than I expected. I'm glad I'm not the only person who has had some rough times during my life.
LOL! Sunny, you made me die laughing at this! It's so true and funny because it is! Don't you also love it when they load up the whole cart, but realize they only have a small balance left on their card and then you have to put all of that stuff back in the isles, cooler or freezer? I love your wits and fun sarcasm. Keep those hubs coming.
Love your take on this. With the shape our economy is in... well, who couldn't use a little help? There is such a stereotype on people that ask for assistance and it's downright ridiculous. Of course there are people that abuse the system, but there always will be. People that have worked hard only to be brought down in tough times should feel no embarrassment in asking for help--much easier said than done though.
The sad fact is, junk food is cheaper. And so people who do have a lot of kids and are on EBT do end up buying more junk food, because they are trying to make their dollars go farther. So I tend to think that the system itself actually perpetuates some of the stereotypes.
I am thrilled that our local farmers markets where we live have started (not all of them, but one or two)DOUBLING people's SNAP benefits. People depending on EBT now have more access to good, wholesome foods at a much more affordable price. Organic fruits and veggies, good eggs from healthy chickens, meat from pastured animals are finally available to segments of the population that couldn't access them before!
Where I previously worked, just last year, we would be flooded with hundreds of applications for one or two open positions; and yet people still seem to think that if you really want a job, you'll get one in no time and there is no need for assistance for those who really want to work. They know someone who "just got hired, even in this economy," but they don't know the other 256 people who applied and were rejected, 75 or more of them being really good candidates.
January - it is sad how badly people are treated. Not sure if I already mentioned this in the comments, but I live in a city where only 4% of the residents have food stamps. In comparison, St. Louis (the city next to mine) has about 33% of its residents on food stamps.
Anyway, when I used to have food stamps, I was amazed by how badly people reacted. Keep in mind I was employed, and often went in wearing my scrubs or work clothes, with my kids.
One time, the cashier was chatting away, smiling and complimenting me on how cute and well-behaved my kids were. As soon as I swiped my EBT card, he froze. He gave me a dirty look and was silent for the rest of the transaction. I had that happen more than once, actually.
MJ - I agree that junk food is cheaper, and it's sad. I'm not on food stamps anymore, but whenever money is tight, the first thing I give up is fresh produce. Which really sucks.
I do freelance work, so we eat a lot of pasta, eggs, and bread if a client is late to pay. They're just cheaper than fruits and vegetables, and right now, I'm spending almost $300 a month on my son's formula. I can't afford much else.
Loved it! Very creative, funny, and yes...useful. Almost wish I had an EBT card...it would be fun trying to be a male version of the woman with the borrowed kids!
I was on foodstamps. I'm college educated, I've worked as an engineer for Sun Microsystems (pre-oracle) and done software development for several startups around town.
I'm unemployed. I could have made more money recycling the paper used for my resume print outs than I've made from jobs they didn't get me. I've applied at even fast food shops now (bottom of the barrel for me) and nothing. The economy sucks. As a type 1 diabetic with no insurance, I cost around 500$ / mo for supplies and insulin to survive. Let's not count the cost of my bills at my home (luckily it is paid off and fully owned, as is my car). I need foodstamps. If some one gives me shit, I'll let them know quite quickly that food stamps are often a necessity and that the stereotypes fit a very small number of those who are actually on them. One of my roommates is also on foodstamps and she works two jobs.
What we need is a better system. The DHR/FA foodstamp office in my county recently canceled mine...why? Because I was in school 6 months ago as a full time students, using grants and loans, so I could get a job and afford to get off government assistance. Apparently being a full time student and trying to further increase your chances for employment is not something that is inline with foodstamp assistance.
In Michigan, EBT food will cover the deposit on most pop, which then goes into the pockets of the buyer as cash when they return the soda. That is insane. But I wouldn't trust our governor (Snyder) to reform it, he'd take a chainsaw where a scalpel is needed.
Amazing hub, you really want people to hate you. I guess it is your way of expressing yourself. Other people are just jealous to the people who has an EBT card. Funny but simly true.
Funny Hub, even more applicable today than it was a year ago!
nice take.
too funny I have recieved food stamps at different points in my life like when i was a single mom or when my husband got laid off. I do not recieve them any longer as my husband makes too much. We bought food to make meals yes I did buy some pop and maybe 1-2 snack food but i bought mostly healthy food. it makes me mad when I see people abuse the system they get tons of food stamps and sell them or buy carts full of junk another thing i do not get they can be living with their boyfriend and he could have a good paying job but the girl claims oh we eat seperate and they give them the full amount how does the government no catch onto that I dont mind people getting food stamps just those scum who play the system and oh those who do play the system take a bath and if you can afford cigerets you can afford bodywash and laundry soap just saying
You're great sunnyglitter! I enjoy it when people use humor to make political points. It shows how absurd the conservative argument often times is on this issue. Voted up!
Lol! This article is hilarious! I recently got approved for food stamps but haven't recieved them yet. I have to say that I am a little apprehensive about using the card. My hubby has 2 jobs and I have a part time job. We also live in the cheapest possible apartment that we could find (under $500 a month). We are constantly looking for ways to improve our situation but have had medical bills and debt up to our necks. I used to be judgemental about people who recieved assistance but now I am soooo appreciative of it. If you see someone in the line in front of you, don't judge, you have no idea what they have been through. I recieved WIC when I got pregnant for the first and only time (with my husband) and had a miscarriage 7 weeks later. WIC let me keep my benefits for 6 months after. It seemed like I always held up the line though, even if I seperated my purchases. We just used the cereal, milk, peanut butter and fruits and veggies coupons. It was a real help. We don't drink juice so we never used those coupons. The money just goes back into the system. One thing to note: Don't sign your WIC before you go into the store to speed things along, like I did once, they won't take it if it's already signed. I learned the hard way. :-)
I just received food stamps.And we live with my bf's family.My bf has a job but I don't and I have been trying to look for one. And if I get one I'll still be on food stamps because we don't make that much money and we help with rent and we are barely left with anything and my bf's family needs help too so we help them also with the food stamps.I didn't know people had problems with people with food stamps.And I haven't used my card yet but I am embarrassed and nervous about how it's going to go.
Oh God, I haven't laughed so hard in a while! So great!
I lost my job last year and started collecting unemployment. For the last year at my job i barley made anything because business was so bad. As a result, I only get $76.00 a week in unemployment. I moved into a room at an empty house that my family owns so i would not be homeless. I am 48 year old man and i had worked and paid taxs sinse i was 13yo. I have no girlfriend or family except my mom and sister who live a thousand miles away. I recently applied for food stamps so i could eat. I live in brevard county florida and there are NO jobs here. Obama got rid of most of the space program and 5000 people in the area got laid off.
I have been to the walmart to buy food 4 times sinse getting my food stamps. The cashiers seem to act angry when i use food stamps to pay for my food. Its really degrading. It's a big ordeal for me inside myself when i try to use my food stamps in the store. I have to try to go at a time when a lot of people are not in the store. I am thinking that i may start to only make my food purchase at a small neighborhood convinience store where they dont seem to judge me at all. I get the same amount of money wether i spend it on "junk food" or "healthy food". Why do all these people care what i like to eat? Iv been paying taxs for 35 years. I still pay taxs on my unemployment. Why do they want to tell me what food i can buy at the store and take back to my room. I eat alone. No one, including them, has ever banged on my door to see if i am OK or if im still alive. What possoble reason do they have for micro managing what i eat when i am alone in my room. I also would like to know where are all these "kids" they say i am "popping out"?? I want to know where they are at. I would give anything to have some kids or anyone to hang out with who cared about me. What planet are these people coming from that want to tell me what i can eat because they have NO idea of the misery of being poor. What is it exactly they are trying to accomplish by limiting what I eat? Why are people so nasty because i fell on bad times. i thought people were supposed to help the poor or voluteer at soup kitchens. not beat them into the ground.
I too am currently on stamps. Im in a program to help me go back to school so I can try to get off foodstamps for good!But Im going into a line of work that will help the community out like they helped me out.
I barely got on food stamps and I should have been on them 3 years ago when my fiance cheated on me after I had his child and deserted me. I never asked for child support and was always working overtime even before I had my daughter because he never got a job and when he did never kept one. After I was pregnant, I also figured out he did drugs. I was going to school and working. Did I mention that I never got payed for my overtime. I even worked on holidays for my child. Not once did I recieve food stamps but now I have to because I no longer have the same job and after 6 months of looking, I finally found another job that pays way less but it is something. I also have to pay for my schooling and refuse to go back until I can pay that 8000 I owe. My husband now barely makes enouh to pay for bills like electric and gas so we had to cut out nutritious food from our budget. As a mother and wife, it is my responsibility to cook healthy food for my household. It is my duty to care for my family. Do those bigets out there even know how low people feel when they can't feed their children and they are constantly saying they are hungry or when your husband comes home from a 13 hour shift and is so tired he can barely keep his eyes open from working hard labor and just wants to eat but all you have for him is a small bowl of soup from the last can you had in the pantry? If they could have only seen the look on my daughters face when we, for the first time were able to go to the fresh produce isle in the store after getting our benefits, when I told her that she could fill the basket with any vegetable or fruit she wanted, they would have appreciated food stamps more. My husband now feels he can support us without worrying if we will go without food. We can now focus on saving money to get to a better place than poverty level. I cried because I was so happy that I could cook for my family and my daughter can eat healthy food. I can reward her with an occasional candy for being good now. I can be assured that she is now growing right and eating right. My husband has energy for work and I no longer have to sacrifice my meals for them. We want a house to live in without having to worry about when rent is due. We want to save enough for my daughter to get a good education and go to college. Why can't people understand that. The world is not always just black and white and this article/hub clearly shows that. Thank you
This is GREAT. SCREW THE HATERS!
Look abouy ebt u have peolpe that work damn hard for their miney dont hate in the ones that know people with food stamps. Middle class peole wish they know someone with food stamp so they can have a cart full of food for their family people on aid to have to live. Look at them people carxy if u would to bet u their family tummy is food and they have more for the next mouth.
I dont get food stamps but became disabled due to meningitis, Im like a bum now, I worked 30 years never got food stamps or anything, since I got sick now I live around people on food stamps, I was in the Marnes, worked as an electrician and killed myself working, now Im just short of walkin down the street shitt*ng on myself...lol.hows that for a great American dream! Fu*k this country
There's one reason only that the gov't gives SNAP ("food stamps")instead of cash: TO EMBARRASS THE USERS. This is an elitist society to the core.
After 42+ years of hard work, with the American SS ("Social Security") stealing from my paycheck since 1966, age 16, I find I'll be getting the rent + $10 ($550 per month) Retirement - but not starting until two full months after my birthday, although I got it in place three months' ahead of time. Better scam than the "waiting week" of unemployment. While trillions of dollars are spent on "wars" and Spanish translations, etc.
Looks like Food Stamps Forever. YES, I feel like shit using them! Maybe I'll have a nice coronary attack soon instead :)
tlpoague Level 7 Commenter 18 months ago
Hilarious! I have seen some people become judgmental over someone with an EBT card. Great hub!