Food stamps

[ash_scotland88]

Can some-one explain to me why the UK hasn't started a food stamp system like the USA?
First of all I admit I am not really sure how the system works over there but surely it would stop alcoholic/drug parents (and general neglectant parents) spending money meant for the support of their family on their own habits?

The only thing I can think of would be selling them on on the black market or possibly crime increase due to people stealing to fund what ever they are addicted to. But for the black market sales I think the US has some sort of credit card and ID system in place to check to make sure the purchaser is the correct person.

 

[Ahleckz]

We do, social services and councils have agreements with local supermarkets. You are given a voucher which you can only spend in some shops and you can't buy booze/cigarettes with them. They value of the voucher depends on your needs. Generally speaking, they are only really used in times of emergency and are soon replaced by benefits.
It's pretty soul destroying having to use them.

 

[vicisthebest]

I've heard people asking in shops if they accept milk tokens - is that the sort of thing?

 

[AtreuS]

The arguement i always used to hear about it was that it infringed human rights by making people feel degraded?

 

[Ahleckz]

I've heard people asking in shops if they accept milk tokens - is that the sort of thing?

I think that they are some new initiative for young (under 18) mothers not in work, they get vouchers for fresh fruit and veg and milk which shops redeem. The vouchers are only a few quid.

Food Stamps are a council thing, so I guess it'll vary between each council but it's just a sheet of headed paper with a set value and other things (shops you can use it in, person to contact, things like that) and you give the cashier that instead of money. No change is given from them. It's there to bridge the gap between having nothing and getting benefits.

 

[DJMK4]

I have heard of this before in the UK.

 

[scorza]

Can some-one explain to me why the UK hasn't started a food stamp system like the USA?
First of all I admit I am not really sure how the system works over there but surely it would stop alcoholic/drug parents (and general neglectant parents) spending money meant for the support of their family on their own habits

Has the Food Stamp programme in America helped to achieve these goals?

 

[Twentyone]

I wouldn't think it would stop drug addicts. Even food is currency if you want it to be

The arguement i always used to hear about it was that it infringed human rights by making people feel degraded?

Well it's not much fun that's for sure but if you need help then you just have to accept it. I guess we have to remember that not everyone on benefits are scum.

I do think it would be a good thing though if more food stamps (or just general ones for clothes etc) were given out and not just money but it's hard to implement.

 

[kwerk]

There's nothing to stop people selling the food they bought for 50 cents on the $, and using the money to buy drugs/alcohol.

If you want some cheap groceries go out to an Indian reservation on food stamp day and you can give them a list of what you want and they will buy it for you, then go get drunk on the money you give them. Stereotype I know but it's true lol.

It's also the best place to buy illegal fireworks and tax free cigarettes

 

[kwerk]

The arguement i always used to hear about it was that it infringed human rights by making people feel degraded?

They government called them "Dignity Cards" in the US. If you want to see how dignified these noble people are take a look at peopleofwalmart.com

 

[ennogs]

I hope we never get them. In America there are currently about 40 million people getting food stamps.

 

[franco_22]

This just in!
STOP THE PRESS

America has an amazing social system and very little poverty/crime/mobility problems and we should aspire to be like them!

 

[badcompany]

I will give you £30 for your £60 food stamps