Study shows how 42M recipients spend their food stamps - and they're not buying broccoli

I've lost my compassion for people who make bad choices. While it's true that markets in poor areas don't have the quality of choices found in other areas it's not like every single item in the store is unhealthy. When I travel I sometimes find myself in a poorer area where I just want to pick up a snack, like fruit and nuts. Surprise, they have apples, which is one of my favorites. Granted, the quality and choices are not at the level of a Whole Foods, but I manage to find one that's edible. And from among all the cans of chocolate covered almonds, chili almonds, etc., I can find raw almonds.

It seems that most poor people manage to have a smart phone. If they can get on You Tube it's amazing all the positive posts about nutrition, exercise, etc. they can find. And you don't have to pay for this information.

The difference is if I’m paying for my own junk food to eat myself into an early grave, I’m spending my money.
These people are spending others money on their pleasure when the intent was to provide them with the staples needed to survive.

Food for dessert is a good thing.

Amen brother!

I was in a doctor's office yesterday watching CNN. In an obvious counter to the Republican's talking point about inflation and food prices in particular, CNN had a big feature about the dropping prices of groceries.

Once someone take possession of money it becomes their money. If you receive an inheritance, is it not your money?

Black owe use Trillions in reparations.

It varies geographically and especially socioeconomically. While it's true that there are plenty of affluent, educated people who eat poorly there's also a much higher % who eat healthy. I live on the Westside of L.A., and when I go into a market I occasionally glance at what other shoppers have bought on the checkout line. Of course not everybody buys healthy stuff, but many more do. And the obesity levels are lower than in most other places. When I leave my area and travel to other other areas of metro L.A. and then to other parts of the U.S. I'm astounded at the number of obese people. I appreciate the comments from clerks when they say to me, "wow, you really eat healthy." Yep, bon appetit!

Given that I am paying for your health care (government subsidizes basically everyone’s health care), I have an interest in your health. Sounds like I get a say in all your life choices….

They're not buying $5 bottles of water. Lots of cities have water safety issues, notably Flint and Jackson. And many of a city's poorest residents live in buildings owned by slumlords with rusted and contaminated pipes. Rural SNAP recipients also have issues with water supply. It's to be expected.

Because mass processed foods, like ice cream and potato chips are cheaper than the health food section.

Trump kicked off the current inflation crisis when he tried to buy votes through massive stimulus bills. Biden is terrible but it's not like Trump was an economic genius or fiscal conservative. Trump has no actual ideology. He just wants to stay in power and will say or do anything to that end.

The biggest issue is the blatant fraud in applying for food stamps and other welfare programs. I see people using food stamps getting into their BMW car in the grocery store parking lot.

If you’re worried about food stamp fraud, just wait until you hear about how the mega rich avoid paying their fair share in taxes. It’s wayyy worse

This isn't a political issue. President Trump championed unhealthy fast food while in office.

What's wrong with the economy that we need a food stamp program?

soft racism/ classism of low expectations.

they buy processed stuff because they are lazy. they are also on food stamps for being lazy. they are also fat because they are lazy.

These poor food choices are typical of the decisions they have made in life all along. All leading to their miserable financial and health situation. Unfortunately they raise children who think these decisions are good and the cycle continues. and the taxpayer has to take care of them.
I grew up in a community of European immigrants who came here with nothing. Eating healthy is where they made sure they spent what few dollars they had so that their family would be healthy. #1 priority. Not fancy TVs, clothes or crap that you wanted. We had none of that except what was necessary. And they all worked one or two jobs and weren’t on welfare.